Trade negotiations between the US and Canada have gained momentum and an agreement may be close, according to White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett. President Donald Trump says an agreement could be reached within a couple of months, Bloomberg News reports.
At the same time, the US has decided to lift tariffs of 50 percent on certain Canadian products, including plywood, paper and agricultural machinery. The decision follows pressure from Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is running for re-election in Maine.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he is ready to negotiate, but emphasizes that an agreement must benefit Canada.
According to US sources, however, significant disagreements remain.
