Trump sees Canada trade deal fairly soon amid tariff standoff

President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Saturday about resolving a trade dispute with Canada, stating a deal could come "fairly soon" while downplaying the prospect of the United States withdrawing from the continental trade pact. The comments, made during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin, come as both nations are engaged in an escalating tariff war. Trump said Canada "wants to make a deal very badly," but indicated that Ottawa must first address U.S. concerns about agricultural tariffs. "Canada has to treat our farmers better, and they can't charge our farmers tariffs," Trump stated. He did not provide details on whether formal negotiations between the two countries have resumed. The trade conflict intensified after talks on a broader agreement collapsed in mid-August. In response, the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including dairy, steel, and automotive parts. Canada enacted retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports, effective September 8, raising duties on many American steel products to 50%.