Canada in 'intensive discussions' amid latest U.S. tariff hike: Carney

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OTTAWA — The Trump White House’s doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs is unlawful, said Prime Minister Mark Carney, who’s promising Canada will not remain silent.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday on his way into his party’s weekly caucus meeting, Carney said America’s latest salvo in their ongoing trade war is unwarranted and against.

“The latest tariffs on steel and aluminum are unjustified,” he added.

‘They’re illegal, they’re bad for American workers, bad for American industry, and, of course, for Canadian industry, as well.”

Despite rumours of an impending trade deal between the two neighbours, U.S. President Donald Trump doubled the 25% tariff on incoming steel and aluminum to 50% on Tuesday — more bad news for Canadian industry, already reeling from the fallout of the ongoing trade war.

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Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne reaffirmed Canada’s position to fight the tariffs.

“Things change fast in the tariff world so we’re all hands-on deck on that,” he told reporters, adding that Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc spent Tuesday in Washington, deep in meetings with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik.

“We’re working hard and we’re fighting against these tariffs, but also to protect our workers and our industry. The steel and aluminum industry is key to Canada’s prosperity.”

Carney said Canada currently has counter-tariffs amounting to over $90 billion on U.S. imports, and said Canada will respond.

“We are in intensive discussions right now with the Americans on the trading relationship,” Carney told reporters.

“Those discussions are progressing.”

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
X: @bryanpassifiume