US vs Canada: PM Carney Responds Firmly to Trump’s 35% Tariff Announcement, Pledges Protection for Canadian Businesses
Ottawa, July 11:
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a strong response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 35% tariff on all Canadian imports, stating that his government remains committed to defending Canadian workers and businesses. The tariff, which Trump said will take effect from August 1, has sparked renewed trade tensions between the two neighboring nations.
In a post on social media platform ‘X’, Prime Minister Carney emphasized that Canada will continue to protect its economic interests during the ongoing trade discussions with the United States. “We are building a stronger Canada. Our federal government, in coordination with provinces and territories, is making significant strides in creating a more integrated national economy,” Carney wrote. “As we head toward the revised August 1 deadline, we will stay focused on defending our workers and businesses.”
Carney also highlighted Canada’s role in combating North America’s fentanyl crisis, a key issue that President Trump cited as justification for the new tariffs. “Canada has made substantial progress in reducing the flow of fentanyl and is committed to working with the U.S. to save lives and ensure the safety of our communities,” Carney added.
Trump’s Letter and Threat of Escalation
President Trump had sent an official letter to Prime Minister Carney on Thursday, July 10, informing him of the incoming 35% tariff, citing Canada’s alleged failure to curb fentanyl trafficking as the primary reason. In the letter—later shared publicly via Trump’s social media—he warned that any retaliatory action from Canada could result in even higher tariffs. However, Trump also left the door open for negotiation, stating that “if Canada takes serious steps to stop the flow of fentanyl, we may revisit and revise the terms.”
Trump further remarked that the decision could be adjusted “depending on the future strength of the relationship between our two countries.”
Despite the tariff being linked to fentanyl, official reports continue to show that the majority of fentanyl entering the U.S. comes through the southern border with Mexico, not Canada.
A Widening Trade Front
This latest move against Canada comes as part of a broader pattern of aggressive trade policies by the Trump administration. In recent weeks, the U.S. has imposed new tariffs on multiple countries, including Japan and South Korea, and announced a 50% tariff on imported copper. During a Thursday interview with NBC News, Trump also signaled that other nations could soon face additional tariffs ranging from 15% to 20%.
Despite the mounting pressure, Prime Minister Carney expressed confidence in Canada’s resilience and global trade standing. “We are prepared to launch several major national projects and continue strengthening our trade relationships worldwide,” he noted.
As the clock ticks toward the August 1 deadline, all eyes are on whether the U.S. and Canada can find a diplomatic path forward or risk escalating one of the most serious trade disputes in recent memory.
