Trudeau says trade deal possible by Friday

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that the United States, Canada and Mexico could be nearing a deal to rework the North American Free Trade Agreement, reflecting a surge of optimism that a pact maybe within reach.

But, speaking at a news conference in Canada, he cautioned that more work must be done and warned that he will walk away from discussions if he thinks the deal doesn’t line up with Canadians’ best interests.

“We recognize that there is a possibility of getting there by Friday, but it is only a possibility, because it will hinge on whether there is ultimately a good deal for Canada,” Mr. Trudeau said. “No NAFTA deal is better than a bad NAFTA deal.”

President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that negotiations were going “really well.”

Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Trump are now jockeying publicly while frantically negotiating in private, as their top trade officials are engaged in continuous meetingsin Washington.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed optimism Wednesday about the talks after a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. “I continue to be encouraged by the good conversations we are having and the progress we are making,” she said outside Mr. Lighthizer’s office.

Ms. Freeland arrived in Washington on Tuesday and met that evening with Mexican officials, who briefed her on the preliminary deal Mr. Trump announced Monday. The pact would establish new rules for manufacturing, labor and the environment.

“A lot has been accomplished,” she said, pointing out issues that the United States and Mexico have resolved.

Ms. Freeland declined to discuss any unresolved issues. She said she and Mr. Lighthizer had agreed not to talk to reporters about specific disagreements as they negotiate, saying they preferred “not to negotiate in public.”

Canadian officials were largely excluded from discussions in recent weeks because of Mr. Trump’s on going feud with Mr. Trudeau.