Prime Minister Mark Carney told provincial premiers that Canada would consider retaliatory measures after Washington imposed new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods. He vowed to defend Canadian interests, but the country’s 10 provinces remain split over how to respond.
Canada is weighing retaliatory measures against the United States after Washington announced new tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney told a meeting of provincial premiers on Thursday. President Donald Trump announced new 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian products on Monday, set to take effect on August 19.
Carney vows to defend Canadian interests
Carney described the new U.S. measures as unwarranted and said his government was intensifying trade negotiations with Washington. Speaking about potential countermeasures without giving specifics, he said: “Everything’s on the table if there’s no agreement.”
The two leaders agreed this week to intensify bilateral trade talks. That followed Trump’s decision on July 1 not to extend the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement for another 16 years, leaving the pact in force but subject to annual reviews. Carney said he wanted a comprehensive deal rather than agreements covering individual trade sectors.
Provinces split over response
While Carney said he and provincial leaders were united, the strategy divides the country. Alberta and Saskatchewan, which export crude oil and potash to the United States, have ruled out export curbs or duties to pressure Washington.
But Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for Canada to match the U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar. British Columbia Premier David Eby suggested his province could cut U.S. access to its critical minerals exports, which include copper, zinc and aluminum.
The Mexico factor
Washington is negotiating with Canada and Mexico on separate tracks and has said it is making more progress with Mexico. That raises the risk the U.S. could push Canada to accept concessions Mexico agrees to.
Source: Investing.com
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