Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will not use a scheduled meeting with United States President Donald Trump this Friday to discuss the stalled trade negotiations between the two countries. The leaders will instead focus on the official draw for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which North America is hosting.
Focus on Football, Not Tariffs
The brief encounter, which will also include Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, is centered on the soccer competition. Dominic LeBlanc, the Canadian minister responsible for the U.S. trade file, confirmed that trade is not on the agenda for the quick visit. "We have no plans for a trade conversation at that visit. It's a quick visit," LeBlanc stated during an interview in Mexico City. "The prime minister is going to do the FIFA draw and then come back to Ottawa."
This meeting marks a high-profile opportunity for the leaders to connect, but it will sidestep the frozen trade talks that have been at a standstill since October 23. President Trump called off negotiations after taking offense at an anti-tariff advertising campaign sponsored by the government of Ontario. Prime Minister Carney has since apologized for the ad, which used segments of a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan to argue against tariffs.
Canada Ready to Return to the Table
Despite the diplomatic chill on trade, Canadian officials emphasize they are prepared to restart discussions immediately. LeBlanc pointed out that Ottawa remains eager to finalize a deal on steel and aluminum tariffs, which was in an advanced stage before the halt. "We're ready. It's a one-hour flight from Ottawa for us to go to Washington," he said. "We're ready to resume those discussions as soon as the Americans are ready to come back to a negotiating table."
LeBlanc clarified that while there have been no formal trade discussions since late October, Canadian and American officials have continued to talk on other matters, such as security cooperation. The goal for Canada and Mexico had been to settle the metals tariff issue this year, ahead of the scheduled 2026 review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Resolving it would have opened the door to tackling other persistent trade irritants, including levies on automobiles and softwood lumber.
Strengthening Ties with Mexico
Minister LeBlanc's presence in Mexico City is part of ongoing efforts to deepen the bilateral economic relationship with Mexico. His trip follows Prime Minister Carney's meeting with President Sheinbaum in September, where both leaders committed to close coordination leading up to the CUSMA review.
LeBlanc met with Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard to explore trade and investment opportunities. He is also organizing what he describes as "the biggest bilateral trade mission ever in Canadian history," scheduled for February 15 to 20. The mission will visit Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara and includes representatives from the Business Council of Canada and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
As the World Cup draw brings the North American leaders together, the backdrop remains a paused economic dialogue. Canada signals patience and readiness, waiting for Washington to re-engage on trade matters that have significant implications for cross-border commerce.
