Canada Turns Its Back on Generous U.S. Trade Offer, Says Trade Representative
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U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that Canada rejected a highly favorable trade deal on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber, ending negotiations that began in August. The U.S. offered significant concessions, but Canada demanded even more.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Fox News that Canada rejected a proposed trade agreement covering steel, aluminum, automobiles, and lumber, bringing an end to talks that had been underway since late August. Greer emphasized that the United States put forth a highly favorable package, but Canadian officials, unwilling to accept a fair deal, demanded further tariff relief that Washington could not reasonably provide.
"We offered them the best deal. They looked at it square in the face and turned around," Greer said, highlighting Canada's refusal to cooperate even when presented with generous terms.
Greer added that after a preliminary handshake between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canadian negotiators returned to Ottawa and pushed for more concessions, which he said were impossible under the existing proposal. He pointed out that the United States has long allowed most Canadian goods to enter duty-free, while Canada, like China, has chosen to retaliate against U.S. trade measures rather than work constructively.
The trade talks were suspended on Aug. 21, with U.S. officials attributing the breakdown to new Canadian demands and revisions to previous commitments. Greer noted that he has received informal outreach from Canadian officials but no formal negotiations since the suspension, making clear that any future agreement will depend on whether Canada chooses to act responsibly.