Trump and Trudeau to Discuss Tariff Removal

U.S. and Canadian officials are set to discuss the potential reduction or removal of tariffs imposed by President Trump on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the matter. An agreement could be reached as early as Wednesday, with U.S. and Canadian officials already in touch on Tuesday. President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may also discuss the tariff issue on Wednesday.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Lighthizer has been actively engaged in discussions, speaking with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the most populous province in Canada, and Canadian Finance Minister LeBlanc on Tuesday night. Lighthizer has indicated that Trump might be able to "strike some deals" with Canada and Mexico to ease the 25% tariffs imposed earlier on Tuesday.

The discussions come amid ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, with the U.S. imposing tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel in 2018. Canada retaliated with its own tariffs on U.S. goods. The potential reduction or removal of these tariffs could signal a thaw in the trade relationship between the two countries.

The discussions also come as the U.S. and Canada work to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has been a contentious issue for both countries. The potential reduction or removal of tariffs could be a step towards a more cooperative trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada.