TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s auto tariffs are a “direct assault” on his nation and that the commerce warfare is hurting Individuals, noting that American shopper confidence is at a multi-year low.
Trump stated earlier Wednesday that he was putting 25% tariffs on auto imports and, to underscore his intention, he acknowledged, “That is everlasting.”
“This can be a very direct assault,” Carney responded. “We’ll defend our staff. We’ll defend our corporations. We’ll defend our nation.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks in entrance of Irving Shipyard staff throughout a marketing campaign cease in Halifax, NS on Tuesday March 25, 2025. (Frank Gunn /The Canadian Press by way of AP)
Carney stated he must see the small print of Trump’s govt order earlier than taking retaliatory measures. He referred to as it unjustified and stated he’ll depart the election marketing campaign to go to Ottawa on Thursday to chair his particular Cupboard committee on U.S. relations.
Carney earlier introduced a $1.4 billion “strategic response fund” that can shield Canadian auto jobs affected by Trump’s tariffs.
Autos are Canada’s second-largest export. Carney famous the sector employs 125,000 Canadians immediately and virtually one other 500,000 in associated industries.
“Canada shall be there for auto staff,” he stated.
Trump beforehand granted a one-month exemption on his stiff new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada for U.S. automakers.
The president has plunged the U.S. into a world commerce warfare — all whereas on-again, off-again new levies proceed to escalate uncertainty.
