Just hours before Canada is set to impose counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods, there are no plans for last-minute negotiations between the two sides. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that there are no scheduled calls between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, and Canadian trade negotiators are not expected to return to the table before the 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday deadline when the counter-tariffs will come into effect on more than 700 American products.
These counter-tariffs, ranging from 15 to 50 percent, are a response to Trump’s recent 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods following the breakdown of trade talks last month. The highest tariffs target industries most affected by U.S. tariffs, such as steel, dairy, and wood products.
In a recent interview with CBC News, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warned of potential U.S. retaliation, hinting at possible bans on Canadian products. Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien expressed support for Canada’s counter-tariffs and suggested that additional measures, including imposing export taxes, may be necessary in the future.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on the government to be transparent about the impact of retaliatory tariffs on Canadian families and businesses. Despite no details released by Ottawa on the expected effects of the tariffs, the government has announced $7.5 billion in supports to help mitigate the impact of the trade war, in addition to the nearly $25 billion in tariff aid provided over the past 18 months.
U.S. Trade Representative Greer, speaking to Fox News, placed blame on Canada for the breakdown of talks and indicated that the future of negotiations depends on Ottawa. Prime Minister Carney has expressed openness to returning to the negotiating table but emphasized the need for the U.S. to engage seriously in finalizing a trade deal.
Trump has maintained criticisms of Canada, threatening to halt all trade with the country and questioning Canada’s exchange rate with the U.S. In social media posts, Trump targeted a Canadian aircraft manufacturer and demanded that they build in the U.S. to access American markets.
Bombardier, the Canadian aircraft maker, already operates a U.S.-based factory and serves a significant portion of its customers in the U.S., despite Trump’s recent statements.