Carney Says Canada May Retaliate Over New U.S. Tariffs

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Reuters, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday, July 23, that Canada would consider retaliation if necessary in response to recent U.S. tariff threats. Speaking in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, during a meeting with national and local leaders, Carney said Canada is intensifying trade talks with the United States and would not hesitate to defend its interests if needed. He said the new U.S. tariffs are “unreasonable” and added that if Canada cannot reach an agreement with Washington, all options are on the table, though he did not give details. U.S. President Donald Trump on July 20 announced a 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods, set to take effect on August 19. On July 23, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office said Washington would invoke Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose new tariffs from July 24, including a 12.5% levy on 46 trading partners, including Singapore, and a 10% levy on 14 trading partners, including Canada, replacing a 10% global temporary import tariff that expires the same day. Oil, natural gas, fertilizer and some food items will be exempt.