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Canada to Re-engage U.S. Trade Talks 'When Appropriate' as Tariff Dispute Lingers

Canada says it will resume trade talks with the United States "when it's appropriate," according to a Canadian official at the G20 in Johannesburg. Talks were suspended after an anti-tariff advertisement from Ontario prompted a pause in negotiations. The official indicated conversations with President Trump could occur in the next two weeks and emphasized Canada remains open to dialogue. Ottawa is pushing to roll back U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos.

Canada to Re-engage U.S. Trade Talks 'When Appropriate' as Tariff Dispute Lingers

Canada will resume trade discussions with the United States "when it's appropriate," a Canadian official said on Sunday, adding there was no pressing issue to raise directly with President Donald Trump.

The talks were paused last month after Ontario's provincial government ran an anti-tariff advertisement, prompting the U.S. to suspend negotiations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' meeting in Johannesburg, the official said conversations with the president could take place within the next two weeks.

"We are very busy with the future of Canada, and with new partnerships. There will be conversations with the president, probably in the next two weeks. We will re-engage when it's appropriate."

The official reiterated Canada's openness to dialogue:

"I don't have a burning issue to speak with the president about right now. When America wants to come back and have the discussions on the trade side, we will have those discussions."

Ottawa is seeking an agreement to roll back U.S. import tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos and wants negotiations to resume at a time that protects Canadian industries and jobs.

Reporting by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo and Nellie Peyton.

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