Trump unveils new trade measures
ISTOCK PHOTO
Canada will remain subject to U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles, despite being exempt from President Donald Trump’s latest tariff list, The Canadian Press reports.
Prime Minister Mark Carney warned Trump's trade measures will "fundamentally change the global trading system" and impact millions of Canadians. "We are going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures and protect our workers," Carney said Wednesday in Ottawa.
Trump announced a 10 per cent baseline tariff on most imports, with higher levies targeting trade-surplus nations. Canada and Mexico remain under previous economywide duties tied to fentanyl concerns but were not included in the new list.
While CUSMA-compliant goods remain tariff-free, imports outside the trade pact face a 25 per cent duty. If Trump's fentanyl-related order ends, those tariffs would drop to 12 per cent.
Carney paused his federal election campaign to meet with officials on trade. He will meet with premiers Thursday.
A White House official confirmed automobile tariffs will apply until a system is in place to assess U.S. component content.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the White House’s stance "positive," while Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said Canada’s "strong and measured response" has been effective. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the tariff news "an important win," but New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt was less optimistic, saying, "You don’t treat your neighbours like this."
The U.S. Senate passed a resolution to end the northern border emergency, but Trump dismissed it, stating, "It is not going anywhere because the House will never approve it and I, as your President, will never sign it."
