Canada says it will respond if Trump tariffs take effect

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is intensifying negotiations with the United States on a comprehensive trade deal but is prepared to respond if President Donald Trump follows through on a threat to impose 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods. The tariffs, announced by Trump on Monday, July 20, are scheduled to take effect on August 19.

Carney made the remarks on Thursday, July 23, after meeting with Canada's premiers and territorial leaders in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He stated that while Canada is working toward a new agreement, the government is ready to act if the tariffs are implemented. "If these tariffs, or other measures, come into force, there's a full range of things that we can do in that regard," Carney said, adding that "everything's on the table" if a deal cannot be reached before the deadline. He characterized the threat as a potential negotiation tactic, noting that U.S. trade talks often involve deadlines paired with significant tariffs, but expressed belief that there is willingness among U.S. officials to reach a deal.

The proposed tariffs would cover approximately $28 billion Canadian ($19.8 billion USD) in annual exports, impacting...