U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer asserted that Canada rejected what he described as "the best deal" to maintain its trade barriers with the United States, following the collapse of trade talks between the two nations. New 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion of Canadian imports have taken effect.
Greer stated that no further trade discussions are currently scheduled. He indicated that the U.S. aims to protect American workers and supply chains. "We've been offering to bring the Canadians along on that path, really to cut the tariffs on them on steel, on autos, even lumber, things that are sensitive for them," Greer said during a media appearance. "And they've always had the best deal, and they still would have an even better deal, but they didn't want that."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended trade negotiations late Friday, citing "unfair" last-minute alterations to proposed terms by Washington. Canada subsequently announced its intention to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, aiming to match U.S. tariffs "dollar for dollar to protect our workers and businesses."
"We have recognised from the beginning that America has changed, and that we will not return to our old relationship," Carney said in a statement. "Our government understood, before many, that America is altering all its trade relationships. Putting tariffs on its closest allies and charging for access to its vast market."
Greer noted that two countries, China and Canada, have retaliated against the United States since President Donald Trump's administration introduced a trade policy focused on reshoring American production and safeguarding American jobs. He added, "We don't have new talks planned with the Canadians. We're moving forward with measures that respond to Canadian retaliation."