Canada warns U.S. trade deal may need tariffs

Mark Carney
Reuters

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says it’s unlikely his government can strike a tariff-free trade deal with the U.S.

Speaking Tuesday ahead of a Cabinet meeting focused on U.S. trade talks, Carney said there’s little precedent for Washington signing off on tariff-free agreements.

“There’s not a lot of evidence right now from the deals, agreements and negotiations with the Americans, for any country or any jurisdiction, to have a deal without tariffs,” Carney told reporters.

His comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to slap 35% tariffs on Canadian imports starting 1 August — the same date both sides had initially targeted for finalising a new trade agreement.

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