- Trade talks collapsed late Friday, leading U.S. President Donald Trump to approve 50-per-cent tariffs on about $28-billion worth of Canadian goods.
- On Monday, Trump announced he would double tariffs on Canada's automotive sector and made insulting remarks about Canada.
- At a news conference in Lévis, Que., on Monday, Mark Carney stated that the EU and Canada are planning new co-operation talks.
- The Prime Minister's Office announced on Wednesday that Carney will address the EU Parliament next month in Strasbourg and attend the EU's annual State of the Union address by Ursula von der Leyen on Sept. 16.
- In response to the tariffs, the Canadian government announced dollar-for-dollar tariffs on nearly 900 items, effective Sept. 8.
- Carney's comments come in the context of the escalating trade war with the United States.
- The White House stated that President Trump is “finally ending Canada’s free ride.”
- The White House also remarked that Canada is the most difficult and unreasonable and criticized Canadian leadership for choosing retaliation over partnership.
Mark Carney is set to address the European Union Parliament in Strasbourg next month, as Canada intensifies efforts to forge stronger ties with non-U.S. partners amidst a deteriorating trade relationship with the United States.34
Following the collapse of trade talks, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a staggering 50-per-cent tariff on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, which has prompted a swift response from the Canadian government.56
In retaliation, Canada has implemented what it describes as dollar-for-dollar tariffs on nearly 900 items, set to take effect on Sept. 8.
Carney emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties with the EU, stating, “This fall we will begin intense discussions with the European Union, the world’s second-largest economy, to build a much stronger and deeper economic and security partnership.”
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Carney's visit will coincide with the EU’s annual State of the Union address by EU President Ursula von der Leyen, scheduled for Sept. 16.
As tensions escalate, the White House has criticized Canada, with a statement asserting, “President Trump said it best: ‘Canada is easily the most difficult and unreasonable.’” The ongoing trade war has prompted Canada to seek new alliances, highlighting the urgency of Carney's upcoming discussions in Europe.
“The trade war escalated after talks collapsed Friday, with Trump approving 50% tariffs on $28B of Canadian goods and later threatening to double auto tariffs. Canada retaliated with dollar-for-dollar tariffs on nearly 900 items, effective Sept. 8, while Canadian stocks have rallied all year.”
The Globe and Mail
