Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Tuesday that Canada is evaluating 'all options' after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on many Canadian goods in 30 days. The tariffs, set to affect products like wine, hockey sticks, and cement but excluding energy and potash, would apply to goods under the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement (USMCA).
In response to the tariff threat, Canada canceled a joint celebration with the US for the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The bridge, named after the legendary hockey player, was scheduled to open next week, but the celebratory event will now be held only among Canadians. Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson's spokesperson, Jenna Ghassabeh, stated that proceeding with a celebratory event would be 'inappropriate' given the trade tensions.
Carney emphasized that the 'first objective is to get a comprehensive agreement' and that discussions with Trump would be intensified in the coming weeks. The US has cited trade discrimination in the dairy, auto, and alcohol industries as the reason for the tariffs. Meanwhile, Canada's conservative opposition has criticized the government for sealing new trade deals, advocating instead for 'unblocking' Canadian resources to counter Trump's trade moves.
The USMCA, which was set to be renegotiated after Washington announced it would not extend the accord in its current form, remains a key point of contention. Trump has previously threatened to block the bridge's opening unless Canada negotiated on trade, highlighting the strained relations between the two countries.