Canada has lifted several retaliatory tariffs on the United States following a phone conversation between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump, indicating a positive shift in relations between the two nations.
In March, Canada enacted a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on Washington in response to Trump’s announcement of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports. Carney has stated that Canadian tariffs on US automobiles, steel, and aluminum will remain in effect for the time being.
The elimination of certain counter tariffs will take effect on September 1, according to the prime minister, who emphasized that Canada has the most favorable trade agreement with the US compared to other nations. “As we engage intensively with the United States, our attention is firmly on the strategic sectors,” he remarked.
A White House representative informed NBC News that Ottawa’s decision was “long overdue.” The representative added, “We anticipate continuing our discussions with Canada regarding the Administration’s trade and national security issues.”
During the tenure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada swiftly reacted to US trade measures by imposing counter-tariffs on CA$30 billion (US$21.7 billion) worth of American products. In July, former President Donald Trump revealed intentions to increase tariffs on Canadian imports to 35 percent, citing the rise in fentanyl and what he characterized as Canada’s unwillingness to collaborate with the US as primary justifications for this action.
Canada and Mexico collaborate
Mexico and Canada are exploring strategies to unite against their neighbor, the US, which initiated the ongoing trade conflict by compelling the two nations into a competitive stance.
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne traveled to Mexico earlier this month to meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum and prepare for an upcoming visit by Prime Minister Mark Carney to the country for discussions.
