Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday criticized the United States' decision to impose a new 50% tariff on a broad range of Canadian goods, calling it the latest in a series of unilateral trade measures that undermine the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

In a statement, Carney said the planned tariffs represent a continuation of trade actions initiated by Washington, including duties imposed on Canada's automotive sector, which he argued are inconsistent with the terms of the trilateral free trade agreement.

"Today, the United States administration announced its intention to impose a new 50% tariff on a significant number of Canadian goods," Carney said.

He stated that the latest measures follow a series of U.S. tariff actions that began despite the commitments outlined under CUSMA.

Carney emphasized that Canada has responded only by taking reciprocal measures permitted under international trade rules.

"These include tariffs on the Canadian auto sector, in violation of CUSMA. Canada, as is its right, has merely matched those measures," he said.

The prime minister also highlighted the united response from governments and citizens across Canada, saying provinces, territories, businesses, workers, and families have stood together in the face of what he described as economic pressure and threats to Canadian sovereignty.

According to Carney, Canada has spent the past 18 months engaging with the United States as Washington has sought to reshape its trade relationships, including those governed by CUSMA.

He said Ottawa has presented a series of detailed proposals aimed at resolving the dispute and modernizing the trade agreement.

"We stand ready to intensify those discussions in the coming weeks," Carney said, expressing Canada's willingness to continue negotiations with Washington.

Reaffirming Canada's support for open markets, Carney said the country remains committed to free and fair trade, noting that his government has recently concluded more than 20 new economic and security partnerships with international partners.

He argued that the ongoing trade dispute has increased costs for consumers, particularly in the United States, while stressing that Canada remains prepared to work toward a mutually beneficial resolution.

"This trade dispute has raised costs for families, particularly in the U.S. Canada stands ready to engage intensively to address outstanding issues with the U.S. to the mutual benefit of our citizens," he said.

Carney concluded by pledging that the Canadian government would continue taking all necessary steps to strengthen the country's economy and protect Canadian workers, farmers, businesses, and families amid the escalating trade dispute with its largest trading partner. (ILKHA)