• Canada prepares to resume trade negotiations with the U.S. after new tariffs imposed.
• Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc expresses optimism for finding common ground.
• President Trump announced a 35% tariff on Canadian goods not covered under CUSMA.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to discuss tariffs with Trump in the coming days.

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc has reiterated his commitment to continuing trade discussions with the United States amidst the backdrop of increased tariffs announced by President Trump. "We're prepared to stick around and do the work needed," LeBlanc stated during an interview on CBS News’ "Face the Nation," noting the shared goal of "building two strong economies that work well together" despite leaving Washington without a new trade deal. The U.S. recently raised tariffs on Canadian goods not included under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) from 25% to 35%, citing inadequate actions from Canada concerning immigration and fentanyl trafficking as justifications for this decision, according to CBS News, India Times, and The Hill.

LeBlanc characterized recent diplomatic engagements with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as “constructive, cordial conversations." He expressed disappointment regarding the tariff hikes but emphasized that these discussions provide a pathway forward. "We’re encouraged by the conversations... but we're not yet where we need to go to get the deal that's in the best interest of the two economies," he remarked, a sentiment echoed across multiple reports Channel News Asia, India Times, and The Hill.

A Canadian official indicated that Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to speak with President Trump shortly to address the ongoing tariff situation. "We think there is an option of striking a deal that will bring down some of these tariffs and provide greater certainty to investment," LeBlanc explained, reflecting an optimism about the potential for a resolution Channel News Asia, CBS News, and The Hill.

In response to the tariff hike, Prime Minister Carney noted Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports. He has been proactive in communicating Canada’s efforts to mitigate the flow of this substance into the U.S. LeBlanc also acknowledged that strained relations since Trump's election have complicated trade discussions, but he expressed determination to find cooperative solutions beneficial to both nations CBS News and India Times.