CANADA SLAMS NEW U.S. 50% TARIFF, VOWS TO DEFEND WORKERS, ECONOMY

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned the United States’ decision to impose a new 50 per cent tariff on a wide range of Canadian goods, describing the move as the latest in a series of unilateral trade actions that violate the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

In a statement issued on Monday, Carney said the latest tariff escalation was part of a pattern of U.S. measures that have targeted key sectors of the Canadian economy, including the automobile industry, despite commitments under the North American free trade pact.

He maintained that Canada’s retaliatory actions were lawful and proportionate, stressing that Ottawa had merely matched measures already taken by Washington.

“The United States administration announced its intention to impose a new 50 per cent tariff on a significant number of Canadian goods,” Carney said, adding that the action represented another breach of CUSMA.

The Prime Minister said Canada had responded to the dispute with unity, noting that provincial and territorial governments, businesses, workers, and citizens had rallied together to protect the country’s economic interests and sovereignty.

According to him, governments across Canada have taken coordinated steps to shield workers, farmers, businesses, and families from the impact of the trade measures while strengthening the country’s domestic economy.

Carney said Canada recognised that the United States had been reshaping its trade relationships over the past 18 months, including those governed by CUSMA, and had therefore submitted comprehensive proposals aimed at resolving the dispute and modernising the agreement.

He disclosed that Ottawa remains prepared to intensify negotiations with Washington in the coming weeks in search of a mutually beneficial solution.

Reaffirming Canada’s commitment to free and fair trade, Carney noted that his government has signed more than 20 new economic and security partnerships with international partners, underscoring Canada’s determination to diversify its global trade relationships.

He argued that the escalating tariff dispute has increased costs for families, particularly in the United States, and reiterated Canada’s willingness to engage constructively with Washington to resolve outstanding issues.

Despite the latest U.S. action, Carney insisted that Canada would continue taking whatever steps were necessary to strengthen its economy, protect national interests and support Canadian workers, farmers, businesses and families.