Carney: Canada to retaliate against U.S. tariffs starting Sept. 8

Canada will retaliate against U.S. tariffs with its own measures starting September 8, matching the United States dollar-for-dollar, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Saturday. The move comes after trade negotiations with the Trump administration failed.

Carney stated in a televised address that Canadian countermeasures will focus on sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural machinery, pulp, paper, and electronics. These tariffs will target U.S. exports valued at approximately $20 billion, mirroring the 50% tariffs imposed by Washington on Canadian goods.

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Canada drives American growth, supplying 99% of its natural gas imports, 85% of its electricity imports, and 60% of its crude oil imports. I don't think they want us to stop sending them all that energy.

He also hinted at Canada's leverage in energy exports, noting, "Canada drives American growth, supplying 99% of its natural gas imports, 85% of its electricity imports, and 60% of its crude oil imports. I don't think they want us to stop sending them all that energy." Carney characterized the U.S. tariffs as an error in judgment and an attack on Canada.

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We are now stronger than when the U.S. started this trade war. We are united, more determined, more ambitious. With the strongest fiscal position in the G7 and a resilient economy, Canada has all the resources we need to change course and prosper.

"We are now stronger than when the U.S. started this trade war. We are united, more determined, more ambitious. With the strongest fiscal position in the G7 and a resilient economy, Canada has all the resources we need to change course and prosper," Carney asserted. He explained that while negotiations had progressed, the U.S. introduced unacceptable conditions in the final hours, particularly regarding the automotive sector and restrictions on Canada's ability to strike other trade deals.

Carney repeatedly invoked Canadian sovereignty, suggesting the Trump administration sought to undermine the country's independence and weaponize economic integration. "We were not willing to compromise Canada's sovereignty or weaken our core industries. We were not willing to accept any compromise on our sovereignty, the protection of the French language, and our culture," he declared.

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We were not willing to compromise Canada's sovereignty or weaken our core industries. We were not willing to accept any compromise on our sovereignty, the protection of the French language, and our culture.