Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has spoken out against the United States’ decision to impose a heavy 25% tariff on auto imports, calling it a “direct attack” on Canada. The new trade measure, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to begin in April and will make cars imported into the United States significantly more expensive.
Carney criticized the move, saying it would hurt not only Canadian auto workers but also American consumers and businesses. He stated that the policy would disrupt the close economic ties between the two nations, which have depended on each other for decades in automobile manufacturing.
Auto manufacturing is one of Canada’s largest industries, employing 125,000 workers directly and nearly 500,000 people in related sectors. With factories in Canada making vehicles and parts that often cross the U.S. border multiple times before final assembly, these tariffs threaten jobs on both sides of the border.
Government Steps In to Protect Workers
In response to the tariffs, the Canadian government has announced a $1.4 billion “strategic response fund” to protect workers affected by the trade war. This fund will support jobs in the auto sector, helping companies stay afloat despite rising costs and possible job losses.
US Hits Imported Cars with 25% Tariff, Escalating Trade War
Carney has also called for an emergency meeting with government officials in Ottawa to discuss further actions. He emphasized that Canada will not allow these tariffs to go unchallenged and that his administration is considering countermeasures to protect the country’s economy.
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, where most of Canada’s auto industry is based, warned that these tariffs could lead to factory closures on both sides of the border. He argued that American auto workers would suffer just as much as Canadian workers because the two economies are so interconnected.
U.S.-Canada Relationship Under Pressure
The relationship between the United States and Canada has been strained due to recent trade disputes. Trump has previously placed high tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, and there are now threats of additional tariffs on all Canadian products.
Carney pointed out that the Ambassador Bridge, which carries 25% of all trade between the two countries, plays a crucial role in auto manufacturing. He noted that it handles about $98 billion in goods every year and that disruptions caused by these tariffs could significantly harm both economies.
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Despite being in office since March 14, Carney has not yet spoken directly with Trump. He expressed hope that a conversation will take place soon, given the serious impact of these trade policies.
The Canadian public has also voiced strong disapproval of the tariffs. At a recent political rally, the crowd repeatedly booed the mention of Trump’s name, showing frustration over the economic measures.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has joined the criticism, warning that these tariffs will backfire on American businesses as well. He pointed out that Trump has a history of imposing tariffs and later reversing them, suggesting there might still be a chance for negotiations.
For now, Canada is standing firm, preparing to fight for its workers and industries against what it sees as an unfair trade policy.
