‘Everything on the table’ as Canada plans response to US tariffs

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says “everything is on the table depending on the outcome of the negotiations” as the country’s trade dispute with the US heats up.

Carney’s comments come after he met his provincial and territorial counterparts on Thursday to discuss a response after the Trump administration announced new 50% tariffs on some C$20bn of Canadian imports.

He said the trade talks with Washington are intensifying ahead of 19 August, when the new US tariffs will come into effect.

Some provincial leaders have pushed for firmer action – and faster results – on trade negotiations by Ottawa.

Carney said options included continuing to diversify trade away from the US and helping sectors most exposed to tariffs.

In terms of a direct response, he said “there’s a full range of things we can do in that regard” but did not elaborate on potential punitive measures.

“We are going to support Canadian workers, families, businesses, full stop,” he said.

The US announced the new levies on Monday, citing what it called “unequal treatment” of US cars, dairy and alcohol by Canada.

Everyday consumer items like wine and hockey sticks, as well as industrial goods such as cement, are on the target list. Several key exports, though, will be spared, including energy, potash, critical minerals and fish.

The two sides have about a month to negotiate before the levies take effect.

Carney said the deadline is “both” a pressure tactic from the Trump administration and an opportunity to move talks forward.

Talks between the US and Canada to renew the North American free trade agreement with Mexico – known as the USMCA – have been progressing slowly recently.

Earlier this year, the US chose not to renew the USMCA in its current form as it aimed to make changes to the agreement, which was reached during Trump’s first term in office.