Canada government source says US also keen on trade deal before Aug 19 deadline

A Canadian government source directly familiar with trade negotiations with the United States said on Thursday that talks were progressing well and Washington also wanted an agreement before a new U.S. tariff deadline on Aug. 19.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would impose new 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian imports from Aug. 19, including goods that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.

"What I'm seeing right now in terms of the negotiations, it seems to go quite well," said a government source who did not wish to be named.

"We are also seeing some positive aspects from the U.S. too. They also want to come to an agreement before the deadline of August 19th. This is also their goal. It's not just for us," the source said.