Just prior to Canada imposing counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods, both countries show no intention of engaging in last-minute negotiations. The Canadian Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that there are no planned discussions between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, with no Canadian trade negotiators scheduled to return to the bargaining table before the 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday deadline when the counter-tariffs will go into effect on over 700 American products.
These counter-tariffs, ranging from 15 to 50 percent, are a response to Trump’s recent imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods after failed trade talks. The industries most affected by the highest tariffs include steel, dairy, and wood products, which were hit hard by U.S. tariffs.
In a recent CBC News interview, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warned of potential U.S. retaliation, mentioning the possibility of bans on Canadian products. Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien expressed support for the counter-tariffs and suggested that Canada might need to take further measures, such as imposing an export tax on products like oil, gas, electricity, and potash.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre urged the government to be transparent about the impact of retaliatory tariffs on Canadians, emphasizing the importance of providing information to families and businesses. While Ottawa has not disclosed the expected impact of the counter-tariffs, it has announced $7.5 billion in support for workers and businesses affected by the trade war, in addition to over $25 billion in previous tariff aid.
U.S. Trade Representative Greer, speaking to Fox News, attributed the breakdown in talks to Canada and suggested that the responsibility to resume negotiations lies with Ottawa. Prime Minister Carney has indicated Canada’s willingness to return to the negotiating table if the U.S. demonstrates seriousness about finalizing a trade deal.
Amid escalating tensions, Trump has continued to criticize Canada, threatening to cease all trade with the country and raising concerns about the trade deficit. In various social media posts, he targeted Canada’s exchange rate, criticized a Canadian aircraft manufacturer, and demanded that the company build in the U.S. to access American markets.
