Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has described the ongoing trade negotiations with the United States as being in an "intense phase," emphasizing that a trade deal without tariffs is unlikely. This development follows U.S. President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a trade agreement with the European Union. Carney expressed disappointment over the United States' decision to increase tariffs on Canadian exports, including a 35% tariff on certain goods, but reaffirmed Canada's commitment to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (CUSMA), which is the world's second-largest free trade agreement by trade volume. Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who was consulted by Carney's government, advised diversifying trade partnerships beyond the United States. Business groups from Ontario and Michigan have warned of a potential crisis if Canada and the U.S. fail to reach a trade deal, though they also noted that no deal is preferable to a bad deal. Despite the tariff tensions, Carney stated that Canada remains focused on strengthening its economy and continuing negotiations with the U.S. while managing what it can control. Provincial premiers expressed disappointment with the U.S. tariff increases, though most Canadian exports remain duty-free under current agreements.
“While we will continue to negotiate with the United States on our trading relationship, the Canadian government is laser focused on what we can control: building Canada strong,” Carney said in a statement released just after midnight #cdnpoli #uspoli https://t.co/1LpCMhikF8
Canadá lamenta los nuevos aranceles de Trump pero reafirma su compromiso con el T-MEC https://t.co/aYPxxkHkKJ
Viable trade deal wasn't on the table ahead of deadline, Canada-U.S. trade minister says. Business groups raise concerns but say 'no deal is better than a bad deal' https://t.co/JSLGOHVall Find out more at https://t.co/1zbPY5GAhV https://t.co/D91JxkoPKe