Carney Says Trump Still Holds the Key to a Canada–U.S. Trade Deal — Updated Nov. 15

Verified and updated: Nov. 15, 2026, 12:00 UTC

Canada still has no confirmed trade deal with the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Nov. 10 that President Donald Trump’s administration remains the key decision-maker, despite Democrats’ victories in the U.S. midterm elections. Carney said the two countries still have “tough issues to resolve,” while also noting that disputes over French-language protections and Canadian cultural programming that helped derail talks in August have been overcome.

The latest development is a shift in context, not a breakthrough in the U.S. negotiations. On Nov. 14, Carney announced that Canada had concluded talks on a free trade agreement with the Philippines and substantially completed negotiations on a broader agreement with ASEAN. He described these efforts as part of a strategy to create more options for Canadian exporters and reduce reliance on the U.S. No new U.S.–Canada agreement or signed terms were announced in that speech.

What did Mark Carney say about Trump and the trade talks?

Speaking to reporters in Montreal on Nov. 10, Carney said that the executive branch in Washington—not legislators—would decide trade agreements over the next two or three years. His point addressed the question of whether Democratic gains in Congress could change Canada’s negotiating path. Carney said the Canadian government should remain the country’s negotiator, even as other Canadian leaders pursue contacts with U.S. governors and senators.

Carney also said he had spoken with Trump over the weekend and could meet him at upcoming summits, though a face-to-face meeting was “not absolutely necessary.” That distinction matters: leader-level contact may keep channels open, but it does not by itself establish agreed terms or change tariff treatment.

In remarks reported by the Associated Press on Nov. 10, Carney described unresolved issues and said Washington had moved away from demands involving Canada’s culture, French-language protections and ability to negotiate other trade agreements. Those comments indicate that some earlier sticking points have eased, but do not confirm that the two sides have settled the larger dispute.

What changed since the negotiations broke down?

In August, Carney suspended negotiations after saying last-minute U.S. terms were unfair and threatened Canada’s flexibility and sovereignty. In his Aug. 21 statement, he said the U.S. intended to impose a 50% tariff on roughly $28 billion of Canadian goods and that Canada would match the tariffs dollar for dollar. The statement also set out Ottawa’s objectives: preserve tariff-free access for most Canadian businesses, improve stability, reduce tariffs on strategic industries and protect Canada’s independence.

By early November, public statements pointed to renewed engagement. Carney said the teams would work in the coming weeks toward a mutually beneficial deal after a conversation with Trump. Trump described a “concept” for an agreement, according to Global News, but neither leader published a completed text or detailed terms. As of Nov. 15, the most recent public account from Carney still describes unresolved issues rather than a concluded agreement.

The difference between a negotiating concept and a signed deal is practical: businesses cannot treat proposed language or leaders’ optimism as a change to tariffs, exemptions or market access. Any confirmed change would need clear public terms and implementation details from the governments.

Why is Carney emphasizing trade diversification?

Carney’s Nov. 14 remarks in Manila placed the U.S. negotiations alongside a broader effort to expand Canada’s trade relationships. He said Canada had concluded negotiations on a Canada–Philippines free trade agreement and substantially completed negotiations on a Canada–ASEAN agreement, with signature and entry into force still ahead. Carney said ASEAN is already Canada’s fifth-largest trading partner, with more than $50 billion in annual two-way trade, and that the proposed regional agreement could support exports and jobs.

These are government projections and next steps, not immediate replacements for U.S. commerce. The U.S. remains central to Canadian trade, and diversification takes time: agreements must be finalized, signed, brought into force and used by businesses. But wider access could give Canadian exporters more options over time if uncertainty or tariffs continue to affect cross-border sales.

What should Canadian businesses and workers watch next?

The next meaningful signals will be concrete: whether negotiators announce a timetable or meeting, whether either government publishes agreed text, and whether tariff changes are formally issued. Carney’s comments suggest the federal government expects to keep dealing with the Trump administration even after the midterms. They do not promise that a deal is imminent or that existing duties will be removed.

For companies exposed to U.S. tariffs, the near-term prudent approach is to follow official tariff notices and sector-specific guidance rather than assume a reported outline has taken effect. Industries such as autos, steel and other strategic sectors have featured in the dispute, while the August breakdown also raised concerns about cultural rules and Canada’s ability to make agreements with other partners.

Politically, Democratic lawmakers’ opposition to tariffs may add pressure in Washington, but Carney’s assessment is that the executive branch will control trade decisions in the near term. Whether that pressure changes Trump’s position remains uncertain. The clearest current takeaway for Canadians is that talks are active in the public conversation, some earlier disputes have eased, and no final U.S. deal has been confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

Have Canada and the U.S. reached a trade deal?

No. As of Nov. 15, 2026, neither government has announced a completed agreement.

What did Carney say about the U.S. midterm results?

He said the Trump administration remains the key decision-maker on trade agreements over the next two or three years.

Do Canada’s new Asia trade agreements replace a U.S. deal?

No. They are part of a diversification strategy, and the announced negotiations still require further steps before taking effect.