Trump Raises Tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister: Over 85% of US-Canada Trade Is Duty-Free
AFP Ottawa, 5th. After US President Trump recently raised tariffs on certain Canadian goods, Canadian Prime Minister Carney said today that over 85% of bilateral trade between the US and Canada remains duty-free.
Carney had expressed disappointment with Trump's decision last week to increase the tariff on certain Canadian imports from 25% to 35%, which took effect on August 1st.
However, Carney emphasized that it was very important for Trump to retain exemptions for all goods covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This agreement was signed during Trump's first term and has been praised by him.
Carney said in British Columbia, on Canada's west coast, that Canada currently faces the lowest average tariff rate from the US among all countries.
He said, "Over 85% of US-Canada trade continues to be duty-free in both directions."
Trump defended his decision to raise tariffs on Canadian goods, stating that Canada has failed to effectively prevent fentanyl from crossing the border into the US; fentanyl exacerbates the significant opioid drug crisis in the US.
Carney pointed out that fentanyl entering the US from Canada is "almost negligible" compared to other sources.
According to US data, fentanyl seized at the US-Canada border between 2022 and 2024 accounted for less than 0.1% of the total amount seized.
Carney told the media that he has not spoken to Trump since the announcement of the tariff measures last week.
He said, "We will talk when the time is right." And expressed hope that the negotiating representatives of both sides can still move towards a comprehensive bilateral agreement.
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