Canadian Prime Minister Right Honourable Mark Carney has issued a formal response following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 35% tariff increase on Canadian exports not covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
In a statement released on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Carney expressed disappointment over Washington’s decision, calling it a setback in North American trade relations. However, he reaffirmed Canada’s strong commitment to CUSMA, describing it as “the world’s second-largest free trade agreement by trading volume.”
“While we are disappointed by this action, Canada remains committed to CUSMA,” Carney wrote. “The agreement ensures that the U.S. maintains one of its lowest average tariff rates on Canadian goods among all its trading partners.”
Despite that framework, Carney acknowledged that several critical sectors — including lumber, steel, aluminum, and automobiles — are heavily impacted by U.S. tariffs and duties. He emphasized that the Canadian government will take decisive action to protect jobs and support local industry.
“For these sectors, we will protect Canadian jobs, invest in our industrial competitiveness, buy Canadian, and diversify our export markets,” the Prime Minister said.
President Trump justified the tariff hike by linking it to the cross-border flow of fentanyl, despite data showing Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports.
Carney pushed back firmly on that claim, stating that Canada is already making historic investments to enhance border security and crack down on illicit drug trafficking. These efforts include hiring thousands of new law enforcement and border security officers, expanding aerial surveillance, increasing intelligence operations, and implementing the strongest border legislation in Canadian history.
“We are working with the United States to stop the scourge of fentanyl and save lives in both countries,” Carney stressed.
While Canada remains open to continued negotiations with Washington on trade, Carney underscored that the federal government is laser focused on building Canadian strength from within.
“The federal government, provinces, and territories are working together to cut down trade barriers and build one Canadian economy,” he said.
The Prime Minister announced that Canada is advancing major nation-building projects in collaboration with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners, which together could unlock over half a trillion dollars in new investments.
He emphasized that Canada must become its own best customer, generating more well-paying careers and ensuring that Canadian resources benefit all Canadians.
“Canada can give itself more than any foreign government can ever take away,” Carney concluded. “We will build with Canadian workers, using Canadian resources, to create a stronger, more resilient nation.”
The announcement signals Ottawa’s intent to assertively defend its economic interests, even as it navigates a complex and shifting trade relationship with its closest neighbour and largest trading partner.
Credit: @MarkJCarney via x.com.
Leave a Reply