U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says he was crystal clear about one thing: medium- and heavy-duty trucks were never on the table in tariff negotiations with Canada. But that clarity apparently wasn't enough to keep the talks alive.

In an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) on Wednesday, Greer said the U.S. offered Canada the "best deal available to any country on the planet." He acknowledged that Canadian officials have been pushing for more, especially on trucks, but he's holding the line.

"I've been clear about what we believed we could deliver, including about autos," Greer said. "We have a Section 232 measure on autos and pickup trucks," he added, pointing to a "separate action on medium and heavy trucks."

Greer also noted that the "effective tariff rates" differ between the two categories. "I understand why the Canadians...want to have as much as they can get and try to expand concessions from the U.S," he said. "But we are focused on doing what's good for America and accommodating Canada to the extent we can."

Tariffs on Canadian Auto, Steel and Aluminum

Beyond trucks, Greer emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in protecting the North American market, particularly for steel and aluminum. He said the proposed deal would have slashed tariffs on those materials from 50% to 25%.

"If we're going to...lower our tariffs and give you the best deal in the world on steel and aluminum, we can't have Canada be a place where you can get flooded with steel and aluminum from other countries and be used as a back door into the U.S.," Greer explained.

He also framed "steel, aluminum, autos" as "national security measures" that fall "within the exclusions within USMCA." And he reminded everyone that the original USMCA had a provision: if any member country signed a free-trade agreement with a non-market economy like China, that country could be kicked out of the deal.

But here's the kicker: Greer said there are currently no talks happening between the two countries. Officials "don't have open channels right now."

Criticism of Trump

The Trump administration has faced a wave of criticism over the failed talks. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) warned that the 50% tariffs would hit Michigan residents' wallets and could cost jobs in the state's auto sector.

Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Michigan, went further, saying Trump is imposing 50% tariffs on Canada for "vanity."

Economist Peter Schiff also weighed in, arguing the tariffs would worsen the cost-of-living crisis Americans are already grappling with. He was equally critical of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to retaliate with tariffs of his own.

So where does this leave things? With no open channels and both sides digging in, the trade war between the U.S. and Canada looks far from over. And for anyone hoping for a quick resolution, Greer's comments suggest we might be waiting a while.