CALGARY, ALTA. (RFD-TV) — Trade discussions between the United States and Canada appear to be gaining momentum after President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described a recent conversation as positive, raising hopes for a potential agreement after months of disagreements.
Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, joined Market Day Report to discuss what the latest developments could mean for agriculture, why negotiations stalled earlier this year, and how much leverage Canada has as both countries work toward a possible deal.
Leaders Signal Progress, but No Deal Yet
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Haney said the positive tone from both leaders is encouraging after a prolonged period of trade uncertainty.
Carney described the weekend conversation as constructive, saying negotiators would work in the coming weeks toward an agreement. Trump also said the two countries had a concept for a deal that would benefit American farmers and both countries. However, specific terms have not been finalized.
Haney said the upcoming U.S. midterm elections could be influencing some of the messaging, particularly in border states such as Michigan and Maine, where Canadian retaliatory tariffs have drawn attention.
He said the next indication of whether discussions are making meaningful progress will come from what both governments communicate in the days following the election.
Agriculture Still Waiting for Greater Certainty
While Trump suggested the potential agreement could eliminate agricultural tariffs between the two countries, Haney said he was skeptical that such a broad outcome would happen.
He said many agricultural industries want a resolution that lets trade flow more predictably and gives businesses greater certainty.
Haney said the trade relationship has experienced considerable back-and-forth, making it difficult for producers, processors and other businesses to plan.
He added that agricultural trade is only one part of the negotiations, with steel, aluminum, automobiles and forestry also remaining contentious issues.
Affordability Pressures Bring Both Countries Back to the Table
Haney said concerns about inflation, consumer affordability and employment are pressuring both governments to find a resolution.
The ongoing tariff dispute has affected multiple industries, with costs working their way through supply chains and creating uncertainty for businesses on both sides of the border.
He said those pressures could give Canada an opportunity to push for progress, particularly as the United States approaches its midterm elections.
However, Haney cautioned that the underlying disagreements have not necessarily changed.
Canada has continued to push back on some U.S. demands, while the United States has maintained its position on several major trade issues.
Canada’s Leverage and the Road Ahead
Haney said the most contentious issues will likely be the hardest to resolve, particularly steel, aluminum and automobile manufacturing.
He noted that both countries have economic reasons to reach an agreement, with businesses and consumers looking for greater predictability.
Haney said the public wants both sides to find a solution that allows each government to claim progress while restoring a more stable trade relationship.
Still, he warned against expecting an immediate resolution.
“I think the timeline of how long that will take is a question that I don’t plan on betting on anytime soon,” Haney said.
LEARN MORE: realagriculture.com
