Greer downplays Canada tariffs as US pushes broader NAFTA talks

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told the Senate Finance Committee that the planned 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods set to take effect Aug. 19 won’t derail U.S.-Canada trade relations, even as the administration pursues separate, one-on-one talks with Canada and Mexico to update the USMCA. He said progress is unclear on Ottawa, and the plan includes potential interim arrangements later this year to strengthen enforcement and address labor and origin-rule concerns. The tariffs would cover roughly $20 billion in Canadian exports, and Greer heads to Mexico City for the next round of talks, where water treaty commitments and broader enforcement issues also feature prominently. The administration is weighing alternative tariff authorities after the 150-day window and awaits a potential forced-labor decision that could influence future actions.