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.”