US President Donald Trump says a new trade deal with Canada could come “fairly soon.”
Trump made the comment on Saturday after meeting Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin. He said Canada wants to make a deal with the United States.
“Canada wants to make a deal very badly,” Trump told reporters.
Trump also said Canada needs to treat US farmers better. He wants Canada to remove tariffs on American farm products.
“You'll probably see a deal with Canada fairly soon,” Trump said.
Canadians Are Buying More Local Products
The trade fight between the two countries is also changing shopping habits in Canada.
More Canadians are now choosing products made in Canada instead of products from the United States. The “Buy Canadian” movement has become more popular as the trade dispute continues.
Some supermarkets are also making changes. They are buying more products from Canadian farmers and suppliers and making the country of origin clearer for shoppers.
In Ontario, Giancarlo Trimarchi, president of Vince's Market, said his four stores now get about 90% of their produce from Canada.
The stores have also started buying strawberries from Quebec instead of the US.
However, buying more Canadian products can cost more. The company has had to deal with higher costs and reduce some advertising spending.
Trimarchi said stores now have to think about three things when buying products: quality, price and where the product comes from.
Trade War Has Changed the Market
The “Buy Canadian” movement became stronger after Trump introduced tariffs on Canadian goods. Tensions increased again after trade talks broke down.
The latest talks ended on August 21, followed by more tariffs from both countries.
Trump's latest comments have raised hopes that the US and Canada could reach a new deal.
But even if the two countries reduce tariffs, some changes may stay. Canadian stores and suppliers have already started finding new sources for products.
For now, businesses and shoppers are waiting to see if the next round of talks can bring the two countries closer to a new trade deal.