Trade Talks Could Restart 'In a Matter of Days'
Canada's trade relationship with the United States hit a rough patch last week when negotiations between the two countries broke down without warning. But according to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, that pause might not last long.
Newsom says he "absolutely" believes U.S. President Donald Trump will come back to the negotiating table with Canada soon — possibly within days — driven largely by pressure from inside his own party.
Why Republicans Might Push for a Reset
The suggestion from Newsom, a prominent Democratic governor and frequent Trump critic, points to a growing unease among Republicans over the economic fallout of stalled trade relations with one of the U.S.'s largest trading partners. Cross-border trade with Canada touches everything from manufacturing supply chains to energy and agriculture, and prolonged uncertainty tends to rattle industries and markets on both sides of the border.
While Newsom didn't lay out specifics on what a renewed round of talks might look like, his comments signal that behind-the-scenes political dynamics in Washington could be the deciding factor in whether — and how quickly — this gets resolved.
What This Means for Canadians
For Canadians watching the on-again, off-again nature of trade diplomacy with the U.S., the uncertainty has become a familiar rhythm. Businesses that rely on smooth cross-border commerce, from exporters to retailers, tend to feel the effects first whenever talks stall, even briefly. A quick resumption of negotiations would be welcome news for sectors bracing for potential tariff impacts or supply chain disruptions.
Canadian officials have not yet issued a public response to Newsom's prediction, and it's worth noting that as a state governor, Newsom isn't a direct party to the negotiations — his comments reflect an outside read on U.S. political pressure rather than confirmed word from the Trump administration or Canadian negotiators.
What to Watch For
If talks do resume in the coming days, expect a wave of statements from Canadian trade officials and possibly Prime Minister's Office reaction. Until then, the situation remains fluid, with businesses and policymakers on both sides watching closely for any signal that formal talks are set to restart.
We'll continue to track this developing story as more details emerge.
Source: CBC News
