Key Takeaways
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is evaluating all possible responses.
- New tariffs would affect goods like wine, hockey sticks, and cement but not energy or potash.
- Discussions with the US are set to intensify in coming weeks.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that his government is considering all possible responses following a threat from US President Donald Trump to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods. In a statement made during a press conference, Carney stated, 'We will look at all options in terms of how we would respond if they do come into effect.'
The proposed tariffs, which are set to take effect within 30 days, would affect a wide range of products including wine, hockey sticks, and cement. However, energy, potash, and goods already impacted by sector-specific tariffs would remain unaffected.
Carney emphasized that the first objective is to negotiate a comprehensive agreement with the United States. He stated, 'The first objective is to get a comprehensive agreement,' during his press conference following discussions with Trump.
In response to Carney's government sealing new trade deals, Canada’s conservative opposition has criticized the approach, calling for the country to focus on unblocking its resources instead of engaging in new trade agreements. However, Carney maintained that negotiations are ongoing and necessary.
The threat of tariffs comes as tensions between Canada and the US continue to rise over trade issues. The US has already announced it will not extend the current US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement (USMCA) in its current form, setting the stage for further negotiations.
Carney also indicated that discussions with the US would intensify in the coming weeks. He stated, 'We have agreed to intensify our discussions in the coming weeks on a possible deal,' during his press conference.
The Canadian government is now under pressure to respond effectively to Trump's threat of tariffs while maintaining open lines of communication and negotiation with the United States. The outcome of these ongoing talks will be closely watched by both countries' business communities.
'We will look at all options in terms of how we would respond if they do come into effect.'
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Prime Minister
'The first objective is to get a comprehensive agreement,'
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Prime Minister
