Canadian PM vows to defend country’s interests in US trade talks

Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney on July 11 reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to defending its economic interests in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, while also highlighting joint efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and promising major national infrastructure investments. 

“Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses,” Carney said in a statement posted on X, Caliber.Az cites. 

“We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1,” he added. 

The Prime Minister also drew attention to Canada’s role in curbing the flow of illicit fentanyl into North America, a crisis that has claimed thousands of lives across both countries.

“Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America,” Carney stated. “We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries.”

Carney further emphasised his government’s vision for long-term national economic development, noting growing collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

“We are building Canada strong,” he said. “The federal government, provinces and territories are making significant progress in building one Canadian economy.”

He added that Canada is preparing to launch “a series of major new projects in the national interest” and is expanding its global trade footprint.

“We are strengthening our trading partnerships throughout the world,” Carney noted.

Earlier, Trump made an announcement via a letter posted on his social media platform Truth Social, threating of sweeping tariffs of 15% or 20% on most US  trading partners. A 25% tariff is already in effect on select Canadian goods, alongside earlier duties on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Although Canada currently benefits from exemptions under the North American free trade agreement, it remains unclear whether the new measures will apply to goods covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

In addition, Trump has implemented a global 50% tariff on aluminum and steel imports and a 25% tariff on all cars and trucks not built in the United States. He recently announced a 50% tariff on copper imports, set to take effect next month.

Canada, which exports approximately 75% of its goods to the US, is especially vulnerable to such measures. Its auto industry and metal production sectors are expected to be particularly hard hit.

By Sabina Mammadli