• US-Canada trade negotiations continue, but Vice President JD Vance criticizes Ottawa for 'unreasonable last-minute demands.'
  • Washington insists on a deal that ensures fair treatment for American businesses and workers, with tariffs as a key pressure point.
  • The outcome remains uncertain, with negotiations potentially tied to tariff deadlines.

Fragile Prospects

Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that trade negotiations between the US and Canada are still alive, but he accused Ottawa of making "unreasonable last-minute demands" that are complicating the path to an agreement. Speaking to reporters, Vance emphasized that Washington remains committed to reaching a deal, yet underscored the need for terms that "deliver fairer terms for American businesses and workers."

"We expect fairness in our trade policy," Vance said, signaling that while talks have hit a snag, both sides are still at the table. The remarks come as tariff deadlines loom, adding urgency to the discussions.

A person familiar with the matter suggested that Canada's recent demands have caught US negotiators off guard, particularly in areas related to market access and dispute resolution. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the US side is "frustrated but not walking away."

Tensions and Timelines

The ongoing spat has raised concerns among industry groups on both sides of the border, with many hoping to avoid a repeat of previous tariff threats. The White House has maintained a tough stance, with Vance reiterating that any deal must be fair to American workers. "We're not going to accept anything less," he said.

When asked about the potential timing of a resolution, Vance declined to provide a specific date but hinted that the upcoming tariff deadlines could serve as a forcing function. Analysts note that this could push both sides to finalize terms, though the gap between their positions remains significant.

Attempts to reach the Canadian government for comment were not immediately successful.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated Vice President Vance's remarks about the progress of talks. The negotiations are ongoing, not stalled, as he clarified.