Dominic LeBlanc counters U.S. trade talk with optimism after 'very friendly' private meetings

Dominic LeBlanc said private meetings with U.S. trade officials have been 'very friendly' and business-like, and he is optimistic about the USMCA review. He will travel to Washington next week to meet the U.S. trade representative.

Dominic LeBlanc, the federal minister responsible for North American trade, said private negotiations with U.S. trade officials have been "business-like, cordial, amicable" and "very friendly." He made the remarks during a Canadian Club fireside chat and framed them as a reason for optimism about the ongoing review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). His comments contrast with tougher public language from some U.S. officials calling for higher tariffs. LeBlanc said he will travel to Washington next week to meet the U.S. trade representative. Key facts: - LeBlanc described government-to-government private talks as business-like and not discouraging, using the phrase "very friendly." - U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has publicly said any deal with Canada should include higher tariffs, according to the article. - LeBlanc noted President Donald Trump has shown willingness to keep the USMCA largely in place while reserving tariffs for selected sectors such as steel. - The president authorized a new set of 10-per-cent tariffs that took effect this week; LeBlanc said the vast majority of Canadian exports were exempted if they complied with the USMCA and cited an effective Canadian tariff rate of 4.9 per cent. - Canada, Mexico and the U.S. face a July 1 deadline to decide whether to renew the USMCA for 16 years or move to annual reviews; the agreement can also be ended with six months' notice. - The article reports those new tariffs can last 150 days without congressional authorization and that the White House may use Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act for some measures. Summary: LeBlanc's remarks underscore that quiet, government-to-government discussions are continuing alongside stronger public U.S. trade rhetoric. He will meet the U.S. trade representative next week and officials are working toward a July 1 decision on the future framework for the USMCA, with the possibility that talks extend if no consensus is reached.