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Canada and US say a trade deal is close, but details are unclear

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Listen to the story

Canada and the United States say they are close to finishing a new trade deal. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described 'significant progress' in the talks between the two countries.

The two nations are working to agree on final details before a new weekend deadline for tariffs. Tariffs are extra taxes placed on goods that come from another country.

Carney did not share specific information about what the deal includes. He only confirmed that negotiations are moving forward in a positive direction.

The lack of clear details has left many people uncertain about how the deal might affect businesses and everyday shoppers in both countries.

Canada and the US have a long history of close trade ties, exchanging huge amounts of goods every year. Any changes to tariffs could affect prices, jobs, and companies on both sides of the border.

The weekend deadline adds pressure on both governments to finish the deal quickly. If they miss the deadline, new tariffs could take effect, possibly raising costs for businesses.

For now, officials have not explained exactly what areas the deal will cover, such as specific industries or products. More information is expected once the deadline passes and both sides finalise their agreement.

Vocabulary4 words

trade deal
an official agreement between countries about buying and selling goods
deadline
the final time by which something must be done
tariffs
taxes added to goods brought in from another country
negotiations
talks where people try to agree on something

Quiz

1. What did Prime Minister Carney say about the trade talks?
2. What is happening this weekend, according to the story?
3. True or False: The full details of the trade deal have been made public.

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Canada and the United States say they are close to finishing a new _____.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described 'significant _____' in the talks.

The two nations are working to agree on final details before a new weekend _____.

Tariffs are extra _____ placed on goods that come from another country.

Carney did not share specific information about what the deal _____.

He only confirmed that _____ are moving forward in a positive direction.

The lack of clear details has left many people _____ about the deal's effects.

Canada and the US have a long history of close trade _____.

Any changes to tariffs could affect prices, jobs, and _____ on both sides.

The weekend deadline adds _____ on both governments to finish the deal quickly.

Discussion questions

  1. Why might governments announce 'progress' before sharing full details of a deal?
  2. How do tariffs affect prices for everyday shoppers?
  3. Why do you think Canada and the US have close trade ties?
  4. What problems could happen if the deadline is missed?

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