Canadian PM calls Trump's fresh tariffs a 'miscalculation' after trade talks collapse
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called new US tariffs a "miscalculation" after trade talks collapsed.
- Carney refused to "compromise Canada's sovereignty" and will match US tariffs dollar-for-dollar starting Sept. 8.
- Talks broke down Friday night with both sides accusing the other of last-minute changes.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has labeled a new wave of U.S. tariffs on Canada as a "miscalculation" intended to "hurt and divide us." The declaration followed the collapse of trade talks late Friday, with Carney stating he walked away from a deal because he would not "compromise Canada's sovereignty."
They asked too much and they offered too little.
"They asked too much and they offered too little," Carney told Canadians in a speech Saturday morning. He announced that Canada would retaliate by matching U.S. tariffs "dollar-for-dollar" starting September 8. These levies will target goods including steel, dairy, appliances, and electronics. Donald Trump has not yet commented on the situation.
Both nations had expressed optimism for a deal earlier in the week, but negotiations crumbled Friday night. Each side accused the other of making last-minute alterations. Canada now faces a 50% U.S. tariff on various goods, in addition to existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles, and lumber. Carney stated Canada's retaliation is "reluctant" but necessary to protect its interests. Details of the counter-measures will be released soon.
miscalculation
Carney's Saturday address was his first public statement after announcing the deal's failure late Friday. He accused the Americans of making "unfair" and "uneconomic" last-minute changes. U.S. negotiators, conversely, alleged Canada made "new demands and walk backs" on previously agreed terms. This is a developing story.
compromise Canada's sovereignty
Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.