The US-Canada Trade Deal That Won't Actually End the Trade Fight
Washington and Ottawa say they're 'very close' to a trade deal after President Trump paused $20 billion in new tariffs on Canada. But buried in the coverage is the detail that matters most: experts say even a last-minute breakthrough won't result in the US lifting all its tariffs on Canadian goods. In other words, the finish line isn't where you think it is -- and that tells you something bigger about how trade now works.
Bottom Line
A US-Canada agreement will probably get done -- Canadian officials say it's 'very close,' and both capitals are motivated. But don't mistake a signing ceremony for resolution. The sources agree on the uncomfortable part: even success leaves tariffs in place, and the paused levies remain a loaded tool on the table. The era when a trade deal meant the fight was over is ending. What's replacing it is a system where every agreement is provisional and every deadline is a pressure point.