Signal Minister LeBlanc in Washington again today as tariff deadline nears

Summary

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on August 13, 2026, their fourth meeting in three weeks, as Canada sought a deal ahead of an August 19 deadline for 50% tariffs on Canadian goods. The tariffs stem from three proclamations President Trump signed on July 20 under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, covering roughly 500-569 product categories worth about $24 billion, including automobiles, alcohol and dairy, with no USMCA exemption. Topics under negotiation include eliminating Canada's retaliatory auto tariffs, easing provincial restrictions on American alcohol sales, and reworking dairy quota arrangements. Canada's chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, warned US counterparts that if the tariffs take effect on August 19, it would represent a 'cliff' that could halt negotiations entirely. Canadian officials stated that supply management for dairy and protection of Canadian culture and language are lines that cannot be crossed. Greer indicated that Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney would be presented with options ahead of the deadline.