Carney ties Trump’s tariff threat to upcoming CUSMA negotiations

Prime Minister Mark Carney says U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose tariffs on Canadian goods is closely linked to upcoming talks on renewing the North American free-trade agreement.

Trump, in a weekend post on social media referring to Carney as “governor,” warned that Canada could face 100 per cent tariffs if it completes a trade deal with China.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa on Monday, Carney described Trump as a “strong negotiator” and suggested that the president’s comments should be considered in the context of broader trade discussions. He added that he will not respond to every social media post or remark from the U.S. president.

Carney also emphasized that Canada’s recent agreement with Beijing, designed to address long-standing issues in the electric vehicle and agricultural sectors, remains consistent with obligations under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Economic analysts say Trump’s announcement comes at a sensitive time, with Canadian officials preparing to review and potentially update aspects of CUSMA, the trade pact that underpins nearly US$1.5 trillion in annual North American commerce.