ISTANBUL

Canadian Minister for US-Canada Trade Dominic LeBlanc said Sunday he expects Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump to speak within days amid an escalating tariff dispute.

"I would expect the prime minister will have a conversation with the president over the next number of days," LeBlanc told CBS News.

His comments came after Trump signed an executive order Thursday, raising Canada's tariff rate from 25% to 35%, effective Aug. 1. The White House cited Canada's alleged failure to stop fentanyl flows as justification.

LeBlanc acknowledged disappointment with the tariff increase but emphasized the potential for an agreement.

"We were obviously ... disappointed by that decision," he said. "We think there is an option of striking a deal that will bring down some of these tariffs."

LeBlanc highlighted the countries' 40-year free trade history dating back to the time of President Ronald Reagan, saying: "We believe there is a great deal of common ground between the United States and Canada in terms of building two strong economies."

He praised "constructive" talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and trade representative Jamieson Greer, though noting: "We're not yet where we need to go to get the deal that is in the best interest of the two economies."

Despite challenges, LeBlanc said Canada remains "very optimistic" about reaching an agreement.

“We think … that the economies of both countries are strengthened when we do things together," he said.