Canada Warns U.S. Over Tariffs Threat to Trade Talks

Canada’s chief trade negotiator Janice Charette has warned the United States that imposing new tariffs on Canadian exports starting August 19 could jeopardize the ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.

According to reports, Charette delivered the message during a key meeting last week with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. She reportedly made it clear that if the U.S. imposes a 50 per cent tariff, the federal government may not be able to contain the political and public backlash in Canada, potentially forcing Ottawa to retaliate against American imports.

Sources say U.S. officials acknowledged that new tariffs could intensify political pressure on the Canadian government. At the same time, American officials remain hopeful that the two sides can reach an agreement before the August 19 deadline.

Nearly $20 billion worth of Canadian exports are currently at risk from the proposed tariffs. The measures could also affect products that had previously been considered protected from tariffs under the Canada-U.S. free trade framework.

The warning comes as both countries face mounting pressure to resolve their trade differences before the deadline and avoid another escalation in cross-border trade tensions.