Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, broke the thrilling news. In the last three weeks, those conversations have been intensely productive and the focus on both sides remains professional and constructive. That’s why these conversations have focused on resolving a range of trade irritants and harmful regulatory policies that affect both countries. The dialogue comes amid escalating tensions, particularly following the recent announcement of a 35 percent tariff on Canadian goods by President Donald Trump.
In the past, Trump has taken issue with Canada’s agricultural and dairy markets, painting a misleading picture of their business model. He went on to blast Canada’s paltry defense spending. He claimed that “they need to pay a reasonable rate” when talking about the delay in contract negotiations. This malaise of divisiveness sets up a critical backdrop for the current and future dialogue over the future of our trade relations.
Ongoing Trade Concerns
The United States is especially dependent on Canada for aluminum imports. Today, U.S. domestic capacity cannot keep pace with demand for aluminum, making this relationship beneficial and important to both countries. Hillman acknowledged that even with this positive step forward, “we’re just not there yet” when it comes to civil society’s access to and involvement in trade negotiations.
This is not a partisan issue, officials from both sides recognize the need to go after specific regulatory policies that have created the friction. Hillman really underscored the importance of not letting communication die. By doing so, both countries will be better positioned to promote these advances while minimizing the potential negative impacts.
“We made progress and we’re just not there yet.” – Kirsten Hillman
Canadian officials are urging an end to the sectoral duties on steel, aluminum and automobiles. They’re urging these changes to be included in any future deal with the United States. These conversations are critical and timely. They have an outsized effect on the most important sectors that are essential to our two countries’ economic and national security.
Strategic Economic Interests
Kirsten Hillman made the point that when Canada is strong, U.S. economic interests are as well. That alignment makes the plan promising for a lot of Trump’s domestic objectives. She pointed to Canada’s special advantages. These capitals complement and improve upon U.S. tools to fight unfair trade practices that undercut our industry, like subsidized or dumped products that intentionally disrupt market conditions.
Hillman remarked on the importance of maintaining momentum in negotiations: “The job now is to keep those discussions going and continue the progress.” That’s a good sign—especially considering all the political infrastructure that is currently intent on creating division at every turn.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that there was flexibility to haggle over aluminum tariffs with Canada. This would demonstrate an openness to deeper dialogue on this complicated topic.
Future Outlook
The Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) ensures that these benefits extend to goods that meet its high standards. This framework provides both countries with the necessary tools to best use it in negotiations. Hillman insisted that “the right deal for Canada wasn’t on the table.” She warned, a lot of hard work remains to be done to ensure they arrive at a deal that genuinely helps her nation.
Even in the face of these continued setbacks, Hillman continues to be hopeful for a positive outcome to this story. She emphasized that having robust diplomatic relationships is key for both countries to be able to handle trade conflicts.
