U.S. commerce secretary dismisses Carney Davos speech, warns Canada on China ties

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has brushed aside Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent remarks at the World Economic Forum, calling them “political noise” and cautioning that Canada’s growing trade engagement with China could complicate future negotiations with Washington.

In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Lutnick said Canada already holds “the second-best deal in the world” under existing North American trade arrangements and suggested Carney was unfairly criticizing the United States. Lutnick also warned that Ottawa’s recent agreement with China could disrupt the upcoming review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, which is scheduled for later this year.

Carney’s speech at the Davos summit in Switzerland drew international attention, particularly in Europe, where several leaders praised his warning that the postwar global order is breaking down. The prime minister argued that middle powers like Canada must work together as major economies increasingly use trade and economic pressure to advance their interests.

European officials continued to reference Carney’s remarks throughout the Davos meetings, echoing concerns about deepening strains in long-standing trade and defence relationships. The speech was seen as reflecting broader unease among allies about global instability and shifting power dynamics.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reinforced that view in a separate interview with Fox News, saying a “new world order” is emerging and that European governments are beginning to acknowledge the scale of the changes underway.