Carney says Canada having ‘intensive discussions’ with U.S. following latest tariff punch
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that his government is currently engaged in “intensive discussions” with the United States to address what he deems as an “unjustified and illegal” increase in steel and aluminum tariffs. This comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to double levies on imports of these materials.
Carney reiterated the ongoing discussions between the two countries, emphasizing the need to establish a new economic and security deal. He stated, “We are in intensive discussions right now with the Americans on the trading relationship. Those discussions are progressing.”
President Trump defended the tariff hike by citing national security concerns and the protection of U.S. industries. However, Carney argued that such measures are detrimental to American and Canadian workers and industries alike.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Carney’s office announced that all funds collected from Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on over $90 billion worth of U.S. imports will be used to support Canadian workers and businesses affected by the U.S. tariffs.
The Canadian steel and aluminum industries have expressed concerns over the potential impact of doubling the tariffs, noting that they are already grappling with job losses and decreased shipments to the U.S. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized the government’s commitment to fighting against these tariffs, stating, “The steel and aluminum industry is key to Canada’s prosperity, and we’re going to be there fighting.”
The discussions between Canada and the U.S. are ongoing, with both parties working towards finding a resolution that will benefit both nations’ economies and industries. The Canadian government remains dedicated to protecting its workers and businesses from the harmful effects of the increased tariffs imposed by the United States.
