Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a strong response to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 35% tariff on all Canadian imports, due to take effect on 1 August.
PM Carney vowed to defend Canadian workers and businesses and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to international trade and economic resilience.
President Trump claimed that the tariff was in retaliation for what he described as Canada’s failure to sufficiently curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
However, PM Carney challenged this rationale and reaffirmed Canada’s progress in tackling the issue.
“Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1,” PM Carney said in a post on social media platform X.
Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1.
Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) July 11, 2025
Canada’s efforts on fentanyl & cross-border cooperation
Prime Minister Carney underscored Canada’s commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis, highlighting that the country has made ‘vital progress’ in protecting communities across North America.
“We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries,” he said.
He also spoke about the broader vision for Canada’s economy: “We are building Canada strong. The federal government, provinces, and territories are making significant progress in building one Canadian economy. We are poised to build a series of major new projects in the national interest. We are strengthening our trading partnerships throughout the world.”
In a letter addressed to PM Carney and shared on his social media platform, President Trump warned that the tariffs could increase if Canada retaliates.
He added, “If Canada works with me to stop the flow of fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter.”
The US President indicated that he may revise the tariffs upward or downward depending on how the bilateral relationship evolves.
President Trump’s tariff threat comes amid an expansion of his trade war strategy, with new duties also announced against Japan, South Korea, and a 50% tariff on imported copper.
In an interview with NBC News, President Trump hinted at more countries facing tariffs ranging from 15% to 20%, depending on their trade conduct and cooperation on security issues.
The United States previously imposed a 25% tariff on various Canadian goods but later exempted many products under the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
It remains unclear whether those exemptions will continue when the new tariffs take effect.
As tensions rise, PM Carney’s remarks reflect Canada’s readiness to stand firm while continuing to advocate for rules-based trade and regional cooperation.
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