U.S. President Donald Trump’s chief trade official has criticized Canadian leaders for characterizing the administration’s tariffs as a trade war against Canada. Jamieson Greer, in an interview with the Financial Times, played down the impact of the recently imposed 50% U.S. tariffs on the Canadian economy and rebuked Prime Minister Mark Carney for his portrayal of the trade dispute.

Greer emphasized that only 5% of Canada’s exports to the U.S. are affected by the tariffs that came into force in August. He stated that terms like “war” and “economic attacks” used by Canadian officials were exaggerated and unfounded.

The interview was conducted before Canada’s retaliatory tariffs were implemented, prompting the U.S. to announce a ban on Canadian alcohol, motorcycles, and certain food products starting on September 29. Greer’s office later reinforced his statements by releasing a news release with excerpts from the interview.

Greer presented options to President Trump in response to Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, indicating that the president was considering taking action. Trump announced the import ban, made Canadian companies ineligible for a U.S. government procurement program, and adjusted the list of Canadian goods subject to the 50% tariff increase.

Describing the measures as a “natural consequence” of Canada’s trade tactics, Greer criticized Canada for initiating “senseless retaliation” against the U.S. He emphasized the discriminatory treatment of American exports by Canada, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and motor vehicles.

Greer’s stance aligns with other Trump administration officials who reject the notion of a trade war with Canada. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, when asked about a trade war with Canada in August, dismissed the idea, stating, “We’re not at war with Canada. How are we going to be at war with Canada?”