Canada expects trade challenges from the U.S. will continue even if the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks are successful.
A senior Canadian government official says: “Even if a new NAFTA were to be signed tomorrow I think we would still face a lot of turbulence in our relationship with the United States on trade.” Timothy Sargent, the top bureaucrat in Canada’s Trade Ministry, noted recent U.S. moves to impose duties on Canadian softwood lumber, commercial airliners and some paper products, as examples.
All were prompted by complaints from American firms, according to Reuters.
He also pointed out President Trump’s move to place duties on imports of solar panels, saying “I think we can expect more of that.”
Meanwhile, President Trump recently again threatened a U.S. withdrawal from the talks if the U.S. does not reach a favorable agreement. However, Canada has recently done the same.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.