Just hours before Canada is set to impose counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods, there are no plans for last-minute negotiations between the two sides. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that there are no scheduled calls between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, with no intention for Canadian trade negotiators to return to the table before the 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday deadline when the counter-tariffs will be enacted on more than 700 American products.
The counter-tariffs, ranging from 15 to 50 percent, are in response to Trump’s recent 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods following failed trade talks last month. The highest tariffs target industries heavily impacted by U.S. tariffs, including steel, dairy, and wood products.
In an interview with CBC News, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warned of potential U.S. retaliation, hinting at possible bans on Canadian products. Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien expressed support for the counter-tariffs, suggesting that Canada might need to take further measures, such as imposing export taxes on certain goods.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre urged the government to transparently communicate the impact of retaliatory tariffs on families and businesses, emphasizing the importance of providing information to Canadians. Ottawa has allocated $7.5 billion in support to assist workers and businesses amidst the escalating trade tensions, in addition to the nearly $25 billion in tariff aid implemented over the past 18 months.
Greer, speaking to Fox News, placed blame on Canada for the breakdown of talks and emphasized that the future of negotiations depends on Canada’s actions. Carney attributed the talks’ collapse to new unreasonable terms proposed by the U.S., expressing openness to returning to the negotiating table only if the U.S. demonstrates seriousness in reaching a trade agreement.
Trump has continued to criticize Canada, threatening to cease all trade with the country. He took to social media to express discontent with Canada’s trade practices, targeting a Canadian aircraft manufacturer. Despite Trump’s claims, Bombardier already has a U.S.-based factory and a significant presence in the U.S. market.