Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the U.S. government's plan to impose a 50% additional tariff on Canadian products, stating that he will take all necessary measures to protect Canadian workers and businesses.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office on July 20, Carney said, "The U.S. government has announced plans to impose a new 50% tariff on a significant number of Canadian products. This is a continuation of a series of unilateral trade measures that directly violate the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)."
Carney emphasized that this includes tariffs on the Canadian automotive industry, which he stated is a violation of CUSMA. He noted, "Canada has only responded at the same level as the U.S. actions, in accordance with our legitimate rights." He added that Canadians from coast to coast have united in response to these measures and threats to Canadian sovereignty, stating, "We have taken necessary actions to protect our economy, workers, farmers, businesses, and families."
Earlier that day, President Donald Trump signed three proclamations imposing additional tariffs on Canadian products based on Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. These measures are said to respond to Canada's discrimination against U.S. automobiles, alcohol, and dairy products. The new tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 19, 30 days after the proclamations were signed.
Carney pointed out that the U.S. has been restructuring its overall trade relations, including with CUSMA countries, over the past 18 months. He stated, "Canada has put forward specific and comprehensive proposals to resolve this dispute and modernize CUSMA," adding that he is prepared to intensify discussions in the coming weeks.
Carney reaffirmed Canada's commitment to free and fair trade, saying, "Canada believes in the benefits of free and fair trade, as evidenced by the new government signing over 20 economic and security partnerships."
He also noted that this trade dispute has particularly increased costs for American households, expressing readiness to actively engage in talks with the U.S. to resolve outstanding issues for the benefit of both nations. Furthermore, he emphasized, "Under any circumstances, Canada will continuously strive to strengthen domestic capabilities and support workers, farmers, businesses, and families, taking all necessary measures to do so."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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