Karandeep – Ottawa, Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a firm and measured response to President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a 35% increase in tariffs on certain Canadian exports not covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
While expressing clear disappointment, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to CUSMA, which he described as one of the largest free trade agreements globally by trade volume. He noted that despite the new tariffs, the average U.S. tariff rate on Canadian goods remains among the lowest when compared to other international trade partners. However, he acknowledged that critical sectors — including lumber, steel, aluminum, and automotive manufacturing — continue to face significant tariff burdens.
The United States has justified the tariff hike on the grounds of fentanyl trafficking across the border. Prime Minister Carney strongly refuted this rationale, stating that Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports. He emphasized Canada’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border security, which include substantial investments in personnel, aerial surveillance, intelligence operations, and the implementation of the most stringent border legislation in Canadian history.
In response to the economic implications of the U.S. decision, the Prime Minister pledged to defend Canada’s economic interests by supporting affected industries, creating jobs, and pursuing diversified trade partnerships. He highlighted a series of large-scale, nation-building projects currently in development with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners, which he said have the potential to generate over $500 billion in new investments across the country.
“Canadians will be our own best customer,” Carney stated. “By building with Canadian workers and using Canadian resources, we can offer ourselves far more than any foreign government could ever take away. This is how we create long-term prosperity — for all Canadians.”