The Canadian government stated on Tuesday that it is assessing the new tariff measures announced by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and guaranteed that it keeps the possibility of resuming trade negotiations with Washington open. The Canadian minister responsible for trade with the United States, Dominic LeBlanc, said that Ottawa's priority remains protecting and supporting Canadian workers, farmers, families, and businesses.
LeBlanc added that Canada will focus its efforts on increasing the country's resilience and diversifying international alliances, noting that he is in contact with the U.S. Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer. The minister stated that when the United States is ready to dialogue, his government will work in good faith to achieve a mutually beneficial trade relationship that respects Canadian sovereignty.
Trump signed several presidential decrees banning the import of various Canadian products, including alcoholic beverages, motorcycles, and dairy products. Additionally, the new measures impose 50% customs duties on other goods such as cheeses, aluminum products, furniture, and vessels, with rates taking effect on September 15 and import bans starting September 29.
This new American offensive comes on the same day that Canada's retaliatory tariffs on 27.6 billion Canadian dollars in American products took effect, adopted in response to the 50% tariffs imposed by Washington last month. Trump also ordered the General Services Administration to remove Canadian products from federal contract lists, unless Canada restores full reciprocity for American companies.
