Canada ends old US ties as PM Mark Carney condemns Trump’s auto tariffs
PTC Web Desk: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a fundamental shift in economic and defense relations with the United States after President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on automobile imports. Calling it a "very direct attack" on Canada’s economy, Carney warned of potential economic distress for US consumers as well.
"The old relationship with the US, based on deep economic integration and strong security cooperation, is over," Carney told reporters in Ottawa on Thursday. "The time has come for a broad renegotiation of our trade and security framework."
Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau last month, admitted uncertainty about Washington’s next move but emphasised Canada’s ability to stand firm. "We are in control of our future. No foreign government, including the United States, can dictate our destiny," he asserted.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting with provincial leaders in Ottawa, where Carney discussed the implications of the tariffs and potential countermeasures. He denounced the US trade move as "unjustified" and pledged to review Trump’s executive order before deciding on retaliatory measures.
Canada’s automobile sector, employing around 125,000 workers and supporting an additional 500,000 in related industries, is the country’s second-largest export industry. The new tariffs pose a significant threat to its stability.
This latest trade dispute follows a similar US decision on April 2, when Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, marking another setback for Canada’s trade relations with its largest partner.
- With inputs from agencies
