Canada Hits Back at US Over New Tariffs

Canada has strongly protested against the US decision to impose an additional 50% tariff on some Canadian products.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney termed the move as a violation of the Canada-US-Mexico Free Trade Agreement.

In a statement released on social media, Carney said the US has been making unilateral trade decisions, which have weakened the fundamentals of free trade established under the agreement.

He specifically mentioned that the additional tariff imposed on Canada’s automotive sector is against the trade agreement.

Carney clarified that Canada has taken retaliatory measures in proportion to the US trade actions, exercising its rights.

He added that Canadian citizens have come together to strengthen the country’s economy and protect national interests after the US decision.

Carney said the federal government, provincial, and regional administrations are working in coordination to protect the interests of workers, farmers, businesses, and families.

According to him, the US has been making changes in trade relations for the past 18 months.

Considering this, Canada has presented a detailed proposal to the US, aiming to resolve trade disputes and update the agreement.

Carney said that trade talks between the two countries will intensify in the coming weeks.

He reiterated Canada’s commitment to a free, fair, and rule-based trade system, mentioning that the country has recently signed more than 20 new economic and security partnership agreements.

Carney claimed that the current trade dispute will lead to higher prices for American consumers, and Canada is ready for constructive dialogue to resolve the dispute in the interest of citizens of both countries.

‘Regardless of the circumstances, Canada will take necessary steps to strengthen its internal economic capacity and support Canadian workers, farmers, businesses, and families,’ he said.

Earlier, the US administration had announced the imposition of an additional 50% tariff on some Canadian products in response to Canada’s ‘discriminatory treatment’ of American products in the dairy, alcoholic beverages, and automotive sectors.

The decision will come into effect 30 days after the release of the presidential proclamation.