WASHINGTON — U.S. negotiator Greer disputed Canadian counterpart Carney's claim that America offered too little in recent trade talks, laying out specific tariff concessions the U.S. was willing to make.
Greer specified the U.S. proposed setting car tariffs as low as seven percent, a significant reduction from current levels. The U.S. also offered to eliminate the 10 percent tariff on Canadian softwood lumber entirely and cut steel tariffs for most Canadian steel to 25 percent.
These moves would have direct portfolio implications. Lower auto tariffs would reduce input costs for U.S. automotive manufacturers and parts suppliers—watch General Motors, Ford, and Tier One suppliers like Aptiv. Eliminating the lumber tariff removes cost pressure on homebuilders: D.R. Horton, Lennar, and Pulte Homes could see margin expansion. Steel tariff cuts benefit industrial users with heavy Canadian sourcing; monitor Nucor and U.S. Steel exposure.
Greer also noted the U.S. was prepared to suspend the 50 percent tariff on Canadian dairy and wine. Food processors and retailers with significant cross-border exposure would benefit from lower input costs and expanded market access.
The revelation indicates greater U.S. trade flexibility than markets currently price into equities. If negotiations resume, investors should monitor whether these same offer parameters resurface—they establish a floor for what Washington is willing to concede. Companies with substantial Canadian supply chain integration or those facing tariff headwinds should be tracked for potential upside if these terms materialize.
