Just before Canada prepares to impose counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods, both sides are not planning to engage in last-minute negotiations. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that there are no scheduled discussions between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. Additionally, Canadian trade negotiators have no intentions of returning to the negotiating table before the 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday deadline when the counter-tariffs will impact over 700 American products.
These tariffs, ranging from 15 to 50 percent, are a response to Trump’s recent 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods imposed following failed trade talks. The highest tariffs target industries most affected by U.S. tariffs, such as steel, dairy, and wood products.
In an interview last week, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warned of potential U.S. retaliation, hinting at possible bans on Canadian products if Canada continues to retaliate. Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien expressed support for the counter-tariffs and suggested that Canada might need to consider additional measures in the future.
Conservatives are urging the government to be transparent about the impact of retaliatory tariffs on families and businesses. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre emphasized the importance of providing Canadians with factual information and a clear plan regarding the trade deal breakdown and the subsequent counter-tariffs.
Future negotiations’ fate was highlighted by Greer, who placed the responsibility on Canada to resume talks, blaming the breakdown on Canada’s decision to walk back from the deal. Carney attributed the talks’ failure to unreasonable and unfair new terms proposed by the U.S., affecting Canada’s benefits and its ability to engage in trade agreements.
Trump has continued to criticize Canada even after the breakdown of talks, threatening to halt all trade with Canada and expressing dissatisfaction with the Canadian exchange rate. In response, Trump targeted a Canadian aircraft manufacturer, insisting that they must build in the U.S. to sell their products in the American market.
Overall, the escalating trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. remain unresolved, with both sides holding firm on their positions as the deadline for counter-tariffs approaches.