USTR Greer Says US Holding Fast on Trade Stance With Canada, Waits for Ottawa to Say Yes

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reaffirmed in a CNBC interview on October 8 that Washington is not softening its trade position toward Canada, summarizing the US posture in blunt terms: when Canadians get to "yes," the US will be ready to talk.

The comment signals continued deadlock in the US-Canada trade dispute, which has escalated sharply in recent months. Trade talks collapsed in late August when Canada declined to finalize a deal, prompting the US to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian goods and Canada to respond with matching dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs. As recently as late September, Greer told CNBC that the Trump administration saw no urgency to resolve the standoff even as additional import restrictions on Canadian products took effect and Washington threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian autos, parts and steel from January.

Greer's October 8 remarks, picked up by Reuters, reinforced that the US intends to hold its ground and is placing the burden of movement squarely on Canada, with no indication of renewed negotiations or a timeline for resolution.