Christopher Sands, director of the Center for U.S.-Canada Studies at Johns Hopkins University, believes the Trump administration is prepared to use all available leverage to influence Canada's actions. Despite the U.S. announcing a potential 10 percent tariff on Canadian goods just hours after a positive meeting between Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Tuesday, Sands suggests there is still reason for optimism. He highlights that Canada is now engaged in discussions and that separating issues like forced labor from the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) renewal could lead to more constructive negotiations. However, he warns this strategy aims to maintain U.S. leverage even if CUSMA is renewed. The proposed tariffs, which fall under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act and are distinct from previous "fentanyl tariffs," require a process that allows Canada options to argue for lower rates, improve enforcement, or challenge the decision through litigation. Hearings for these proposed tariffs are scheduled for July 7, providing a window for negotiation.