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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has received mixed reactions on social media after announcing that he is dropping retaliatory tariffs introduced on U.S. goods covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico trade agreement (CUSMA).
The move came after a “productive and wide-ranging conversation” with President Donald Trump on Thursday.
Newsweek contacted Carney’s office for comment outside of regular office hours on Saturday, but no response was received.
Why It Matters
Relations between Canada and the United States have deteriorated sharply since January 2023, with disputes over trade and Trump’s repeated calls for Canada to join his nation as its 51st state. Following his second presidential inauguration, Trump introduced a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods, which were repeatedly suspended. He also imposed tariffs on strategic products like steel and aluminum. In August 2023, he imposed tariffs of 25-35 percent on Canadian products for failing to cooperate on curbing fentanyl smuggling, except for goods covered by CUSMA.
Trump’s policies sparked anger in Canada, including boycotts of American goods and the booing of the U.S. national anthem at sporting events.
What To Know
On Friday, Carney announced that all tariffs on U.S. goods covered by CUSMA would be removed as of September 1, following a call with Trump the previous day.
He noted that earlier this month, the U.S. “reaffirmed” that Canadian exports to America under CUSMA would not face additional tariffs. Consequently, Carney said the effective U.S. tariff rate on Canadian goods was 5.6 percent, which he described as “the best trade deal” of any country.
However, Carney’s announcement sparked a mixed response on social media, with some accusing him of capitulating to Trump.
DAVE CHAN/AFP/GETTY
He added: “We are living through the dumbest government in Canadian history. Elbows-up must be proud of this disaster.” In March, Carney released a viral social media video criticizing Trump’s tariffs on his country with the title “Elbows up, Canada.”
Ron Butler, a Canadian economics commentator, said: “Look, this could easily be a good idea, we won’t know for sure until a new Trade Deal is actually finalized. But the contrast to Carney’s talk in the Election is nuts. Sweet Jesus, we were all deceived.”
Roman Baber, a Conservative member of the Canadian Parliament, said: “You’re lying again, Mark Carney just like you lied during the election campaign. Everything that is tariff-free now was already tariff-free thanks to Brian Mulroney – not you.”
He added: “Throughout our negotiations with the United States, the objectives of Canada’s new government have been consistent: protect Canadian workers and their families, reinforce the competitiveness of Canadian businesses, and build the strongest economy in the G7.”
Kat Kanada, a conservative leaning Canadian commentator, replied: “You lied though.”
Entrepreneur James Dueck, who has 17,000 X followers, wrote: “Mark, you’re right. This *is* like hockey, but it’s time to pull the goalie: you!”
However, other commentators on X were more supportive. One said: “I trust that Carney is putting Canadian interests first. His experience and expertise make him the man for this moment.”
Another said: “Good move. If u know how to negotiate, laying down the first card will allow Trump to save face. He should match your offer. It’s not a big deal since a new CUSMA agreement is coming up. It’s a moot point. A nothing burger. Make way for Trump’s next move. Tariff-free both ways.”
