The strains between the U. S. and Canadian governments may have begun with economic issues, but they’re turning more personal.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney aimed a jab at U. S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick after the Trump administration official claimed Canada had intentionally derailed trade talks for political reasons.
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“I don’t think, with all respect, appointed, unelected Cabinet members in the United States are experts on Canadian politics,” Carney said during a news conference Thursday. “We are always going to stand up for what’s in the best interest of Canada.” Negotiations between both nations fell apart in August. Since that time, the U. S. has placed a 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. Canada plans to start retaliatory tariffs next week. The Trump administration has already threatened a 50% tariff on all Canadian vehicles and parts starting January 1.Deal blockades
Despite the back and forth between officials, Carney expressed hope that an agreement can still be reached with the U. S. “We’re ready to sit down and strike that deal when the Americans are ready,” he stated. This might take some time, however. Lutnick mentioned on CNBC that Canada had treated Trump “disrespectfully” and predicted that once special elections conclude in mid-October, they’d be much more willing to resolve matters with the U. S. Trump didn’t seem eager for immediate further discussions either, as seen in a recent social media post. “It is very good for Canadian Politicians like Prime Minister Carney to make President Donald J. Trump ‘the enemy,’ until their Economy collapses,” Trump wrote. “Then it will prove to be very bad for Politics – Worse than anything that has ever happened to a Canadian Politician. Just watch!”A strained friendship
The U. S. and Canada have generally been good neighbors throughout history – relying heavily on each other economically. More than 66% of Canada’s total exports in July were sent to the U. S., although that’s down from 72.64% last year. About 49% of Canada’s total merchandise imports come from America. The U. S.’s second-largest trade partner is Canada, accounting for 12.5% of its total trade, surpassing China and Taiwan combined. However, relations have been rocky since Trump started his second term in office, as both sides claim unreasonable demands from one another exist. For instance, Carney noted that French-language requirements from Canada became one sticking point during trade negotiations. “There are a few issues that the United States was arguing right up to the last hour,” he remarked. “Red lines weren’t going to change.. ‘our way or the highway, take it or leave it,’ you know , attitude.” Lutnick disagreed with this view saying , “Do I care about how that Quebecois speak? I mean , what could matter less to America? We don’t care. So the fact is , we never brought those words up. This is manufactured.” This article originally appeared on Moneywise. com under the title: Mark Carney throws shade at Howard Lutnick , says ‘unelected Cabinet members’ are not ‘experts on Canadian politics’ This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.Source link
