Canada Signals Limited Progress in US Trade Talks on Steel, Auto Tariffs

Canada reported limited progress in trade negotiations with the United States, a Canadian government official said Wednesday, as the two sides work to ease US tariffs on Canadian steel and autos. Talks have centered on duties imposed under Section 232 of US trade law, including tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian steel and 25% on autos. The US Commerce Department, which administers the tariffs, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. President Donald Trump predicted on Sunday the dispute would be resolved "soon" without offering specifics, while Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday there had been "a slight intensification" in negotiations. The tariffs have become a political liability for Trump ahead of next week's midterm elections, with Republican candidates in border states calling for an end to the trade war with Canada.