Canadian Prime Minister: Suspension of trade negotiations with the United States and reciprocal response to tariffs

Washington, Aug 22 (KUNA) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced today, in a surprise move, the suspension of trade negotiations with the United States, affirming that Canada would retaliate in kind against any tariffs imposed by Washington. In a statement widely circulated by media outlets minutes before the deadline set by the U.S. administration to reach a final agreement before imposing a 50 percent tariff on Canadian goods, Carney said, “Despite significant progress in the negotiations, this was not enough to fulfill our commitments to the Canadian people.” He added, “As a result, I have decided to suspend trade negotiations with the United States and directed Canadian negotiators to return to the capital, Ottawa.” This move will lead to the implementation of tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods at midnight local time, according to a U.S. official confirmed to American media. The Canadian prime minister emphasized that Canada would respond immediately and proportionally to the United States, stating, “Canada will impose equivalent tariffs (dollar for dollar) to protect our workers and businesses.” He noted that “last-minute changes to the terms proposed by the U.S. side were unfair and economically unjustified, raising doubts about the reliability of any agreement.” He added, “We recognized from the outset that the United States has changed, and that we will not return to our previous relationship,” stressing that “we will not allow any country to determine our future.” The collapse of these negotiations follows the failure of U.S. and Canadian trade negotiators to reach an agreement after about two weeks of intensive talks, despite recent optimism expressed by U.S. President Donald Trump about an imminent deal, as well as his announcement of a temporary suspension of tariffs on Canada. According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the tariffs would affect U.S. imports from Canada valued at approximately $20 billion, covering a variety of food products, clothing, construction materials, and other goods. Last Tuesday, the U.S. president announced a suspension of the 50 percent tariff on Canada, expressing optimism that both sides would reach a trade agreement to be announced after “final touches” were completed. However, Canada’s suspension of negotiations will lead to the implementation of the tariffs and escalate tensions between the two countries. (End) A.M.M. / A.B.K.