I think that the fact that there is a 3:00 meeting means that Trump gave Trudeau a list of things that are required. The question is how much of the list we can give in on.
If it’s boarder security and NATO funding those are easy wins to give Trump and let him show how his tough negotiating won the day.
However if it’s more than that like all the other issues that keep getting tossed around then it’s likely better to stand our ground. You don’t negotiate against yourself so in the absence of clear requirements I think you keep the status quo.
The fact that the Trump list of demands wasn’t leaked out of the earlier call suggests that Canada has the ability to meet them. That it wasn’t completed on the morning call suggests that some of them are uncomfortable.
Overall I think we get a deal to delay implementation by a month. Trump wins by keeping negotiating pressure and saving face. Canada wins by not having Tarrifs.
Actually going through with the trade war is a loss for both Trump and Canada. Trump likes to win.
|