Prime Minister Mark Carney has voiced strong disappointment over former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose higher tariffs on Canadian goods, calling the move politically motivated and economically harmful.
In an executive order issued Friday, Trump raised tariffs on a range of Canadian exports from 25 to 35 percent, citing Canada’s plans to support Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly and what he described as Ottawa’s failure to curb fentanyl trafficking.
Carney condemned the move, describing it as a “disappointing and unnecessary escalation” that risks straining relations between two close allies.
“This action by the U.S. is deeply disappointing,” the prime minister said in a statement. “Canada remains committed to fair trade and to our responsibilities under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement.”
Although core goods protected under the 2020 trade pact remain unaffected, the tariff increase is expected to hit several critical industries, including lumber, steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
Trump’s order accuses Canada of “retaliatory actions” and a lack of cooperation in stopping the flow of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl — a charge Carney rejected.
“Canada represents just one percent of U.S. fentanyl imports,” he said. “We have taken serious, measurable steps to reduce trafficking and strengthen border enforcement.”
Carney insisted that Canada remains a reliable trade partner and continues to uphold its obligations under CUSMA (the Canadian acronym for USMCA), even as political tensions grow.
“The U.S. continues to benefit from some of its lowest average tariff rates on Canadian goods,” he noted. “This action undermines the spirit of cooperation that underpins our economic relationship.”
The prime minister warned that the new duties could cause ripple effects across both economies and urged Washington to reconsider.
“We are ready to work with our American counterparts to resolve any disagreements,” Carney said, “but punishing tariffs will only deepen division and hurt workers on both sides of the border.”
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