Feds dead set against ‘ridiculous’ quotas to replace steel, aluminum tariffs

Canada is not about to agree to quotas or other limits on its exports in order to get the United States to lift
punishing tariffs on steel and aluminum, says a source close to the ongoing talks to resolve the lingering tit-for-tat trade standoff.

Where the two sides ultimately end up remains to be seen, but the Canadian source – speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive negotiations – described the idea of a quota system as a non-starter and a concession that Canada is not prepared to make.

“They’re trying to get us to agree to a quota system, which we’re not going to do, because it’s ridiculous,” said the source.

“They know what they need to do to get a deal. The ball is entirely in their court.”