Trump Says Canada Deal Could Come Soon, Rules Out USMCA Exit
Trump’s comments preserve the North American trade framework but offer no timetable or evidence that formal Canada-U.S. negotiations have restarted.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on September 13 that a trade agreement with Canada could arrive “fairly soon” and dismissed the prospect of the United States leaving the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. Speaking after a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin, Trump said the United States had good relations with Canada and Mexico, but did not identify a negotiating schedule, confirm resumed formal talks, or set out terms for an agreement. [1]
The comments provide a limited signal of continuity for firms that rely on USMCA rules, rather than a resolution of the current dispute. Trump tied the friction to Canada’s treatment of U.S. farmers and Canadian tariffs, making agricultural market access a stated negotiating issue. For Canadian exporters, the absence of detail means existing tariff and import-restriction exposure remains the operating environment until either government announces concrete changes. [1]
The statement comes after trade talks collapsed late last month, according to the report. Since then, the two countries have intensified reciprocal measures: the United States imposed a 50% tariff on roughly US$20 billion of Canadian goods, citing alleged discrimination against U.S.-made vehicles, dairy products and liquor, while Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on about US$20 billion of U.S. goods on September 8. [1]
Further U.S. restrictions remain scheduled rather than reversed. The report says Washington subsequently announced measures to bar imports of Canadian liquor, some dairy products and motorcycles, with an effective date of September 29. That leaves automotive-related goods, dairy and alcohol exposed to immediate policy uncertainty even as Trump signals an interest in a possible agreement. [1]
Canada is simultaneously pursuing options to reduce dependence on the U.S. market. The report says Prime Minister Mark Carney has considered a relationship similar to EU associate membership and discussed closer ties with European leaders, including cooperation in strategic supply chains such as critical minerals and defence. Carney also said Canada is prepared to conclude a deal when the United States is ready, indicating that diversification efforts are proceeding alongside an openness to renewed bilateral talks. [1]
This is a modest but decision-useful negotiation signal: Trump rejected USMCA withdrawal and indicated a Canada deal could come soon, which reduces uncertainty around the agreement’s immediate survival. However, no formal restart, timetable, terms, tariff rollback, or suspension of the September 29 measures was announced; automotive, dairy and alcohol exposure therefore remains unchanged. [1]