By — Rob Gillies, Associated Press Rob Gillies, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/canadian-prime-minister-carney-reports-progress-in-trade-talks-with-trump-days-before-u-s-midterms Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Canadian Prime Minister Carney reports progress in trade talks with Trump days before U.S. midterms World Nov 1, 2026 1:00 PM EST TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday he had a constructive conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump about a potential trade deal and that negotiators would work in the coming weeks toward an agreement, signaling fresh momentum in a bitter trade dispute just days before the U.S. midterm elections. Carney said the conversation built on recent discussions about the outlines of a deal that would create jobs, lower costs for families and protect Canada's languages, culture and sovereignty. "Our teams will now be working in the coming weeks to deliver that outcome," Carney wrote on social media. READ MORE: Canada is taking steps toward becoming European Union's first associate member The upbeat assessment marks a shift from August, when Canada walked away from negotiations after rejecting…
Canadian Prime Minister Carney reports progress in trade talks with Trump days before U.S. midterms
In short
The recent momentum signals a notable turnaround after Canada walked away from negotiations in August over sovereignty, auto industry concerns, and French-language rights. In response to that breakdown, Washington hit roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods with 50% duties, prompting immediate retaliation. Mark Carney noted that talks advanced because the U.S. shifted toward Canada's stance, though no formal pact will occur prior to Tuesday's elections. Meanwhile, Canada is advancing a new economic and security alliance with the European Union to reduce its trade reliance on the United States.
Key points
- Ongoing cross-border tariff disputes have created political vulnerabilities for Republica…: Ongoing cross-border tariff disputes have created political vulnerabilities for Republican candidates in crucial midterm states like Michigan and Maine.
- Any upcoming bilateral agreement will focus on securing relief from U.S. tariffs on Canad…: Any upcoming bilateral agreement will focus on securing relief from U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and automobile exports while safeguarding national sovereignty.
- Prime Minister Carney confirmed that a final trade pact will not be completed prior to th…: Prime Minister Carney confirmed that a final trade pact will not be completed prior to the upcoming Tuesday midterm elections.