Muhammad Amanullah
Date: September 26, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump says it is not under pressure to reach a new trade agreement with Canada, as tariff measures continue to affect trade between the two North American neighbours.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a television interview on Friday that President Trump was comfortable with the current situation and that Washington saw “no urgency” to conclude a deal with Canada.
Greer said the United States continues to receive important Canadian commodities, including oil, natural gas and potash, while broader cross-border trade between the two countries also remains substantial. (Global News)
U.S. Says Trade with Canada Continues
Greer said Canadian officials continue to contact Washington periodically about possible agreements and that the two sides have had discussions about potential deals.
However, he indicated that the Trump administration does not believe an immediate agreement is necessary.
The comments come after formal Canada-U.S. trade negotiations broke down in August. The two governments have since maintained communications, although there is no clear timetable for a comprehensive new agreement. (Global News)
Trade Dispute Escalates
The breakdown in negotiations was followed by additional tariff measures from Washington and retaliatory measures from Ottawa.
The U.S. imposed a 50 per cent tariff on about US$27.6 billion worth of Canadian goods effective August 22, according to Canada’s Department of Finance. Canada subsequently announced matching tariffs on U.S. goods. (Canada)
The U.S. administration has also announced targeted import restrictions on certain Canadian products. On September 8, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Washington was taking action under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 against certain Canadian products, citing what the administration described as discriminatory Canadian measures. (United States Trade Representative)
Oil, Gas and Potash Trade Continues
Despite the trade dispute, Greer said the United States continues to receive key commodities from Canada.
He specifically cited oil, gas and potash, while noting that significant trade continues in other sectors as well.
The comments highlight the extent of economic integration between the two countries, even as tariffs and other trade restrictions have increased uncertainty for businesses on both sides of the border. (Global News)
Canada Says It Will Continue Discussions
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Ottawa is continuing communications with American officials.
Following Greer’s comments, LeBlanc said Canada was not simply waiting for Washington to restart negotiations. He indicated that Canada would continue discussions while seeking an agreement that protects Canadian economic interests and sovereignty. (Global News)
Canada has maintained that it wants a mutually beneficial trade agreement, while the U.S. administration has argued that Washington had previously offered terms it considered favourable to Canada. The two governments therefore continue to differ over how the negotiations broke down and what conditions should apply to any future agreement. (United States Trade Representative)
Trump’s Actions Have Added to Tensions
Relations between Ottawa and Washington have also been affected by a series of actions and statements by President Trump.
In August, Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. government to use the name “Lake America” for Lake Ontario in federal geographic records. The order applies to U.S. federal usage and does not require Canada or international organizations to adopt the new name. (GovInfo)
The move came amid the wider trade dispute and after negotiations between the two countries had broken down.
What Happens Next?
The latest statements indicate that formal negotiations may not resume immediately, although communications between Canadian and American officials continue.
Canada is also pursuing broader trade diversification efforts as it manages the continuing dispute with its largest trading partner. At the same time, the United States continues to impose tariff and import measures affecting Canadian products.
For businesses operating across the Canada-U.S. border, the timing and terms of any future agreement remain uncertain.
For now, Washington says it sees no urgency to reach a new trade deal, while Ottawa says it will continue discussions rather than wait for the United States to set the timetable. (Global News)
