Canada to consider retaliating against latest Trump tariffs, Carney says

Canada is prepared to retaliate against new U.S. tariffs, with Prime Minister Mark Carney asserting the nation will take all necessary steps to defend its interests. The announcement follows the U.S. imposition of 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian products, scheduled to begin August 19.

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We are intensifying our trade negotiations with the United States and will not hesitate to defend our interests if we have to.

Carney described the U.S. measures as unwarranted and emphasized intensified trade negotiations. He indicated that "everything's on the table" regarding potential countermeasures, though specifics were not provided. This escalation occurs against the backdrop of the U.S. decision not to extend the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), leaving the pact in force but subject to annual reviews.

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Everything's on the table if there's no agreement.

While Carney and provincial leaders express unity, the provinces themselves are split on the best course of action. Alberta and Saskatchewan, heavily reliant on U.S. exports like crude oil and potash, have rejected calls for export curbs. Conversely, Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Canada to match the U.S. tariffs "dollar for dollar." British Columbia Premier David Eby proposed restricting U.S. access to the province's critical mineral exports, such as copper and zinc, as a potential bargaining chip.

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One day, the prime minister is with him side by side, and the next thing, President Trump turns on him like a rabid dog.

Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer expressed hope for interim trade deals with Canada and Mexico by year-end, suggesting that more complex changes to the USMCA might be addressed later. This indicates a potential strategy to secure partial agreements while deferring contentious issues.

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If the prime minister calls British Columbia and says he needs support with some big sticks to have conversations at the table, then we will be there.