U.S.-Canada Tariff Negotiations Heat Up Ahead of April Deadline**

In a high-stakes meeting, U.S. representatives conveyed to Canadian officials that sweeping tariffs are set to be implemented despite ongoing discussions, indicating a challenging trade dynamic between the two nations.**

In a pivotal meeting aimed at addressing trade relations, top U.S. officials conveyed to their Canadian counterparts that a new set of sweeping tariffs would be enacted on April 2. This revelation underscores the significant hurdles that lie ahead in negotiations between the two nations, following an executive order by President Trump initiating an in-depth review of U.S. trade policies with several countries, including Canada.

Representatives from the U.S. included Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The Canadian delegation comprised Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the Canadians departed with heightened awareness but tempered optimism regarding future interactions.

While U.S. officials emphasized their commitment to imposing "reciprocal" tariffs that would align with those other nations have placed on American products, the long-term trajectory remains uncertain. Trump's administration has a history of fluctuating tariff policies, having previously threatened to enforce tariffs only to retract decisions at the last minute.

Despite the looming tariffs, the meeting sought to foster a more stable environment for dialogue between Washington and Ottawa. Nonetheless, the backdrop of escalating tensions, particularly as Trump continues to evoke nationalistic sentiments against Canada, complicates the pathway for any potential trade resolutions. As the deadline approaches, stakeholders on both sides of the border are left to navigate an intricate landscape of economic uncertainty.