Canada says trade talks can resume with 'right attitude' from US

Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday that Canada stands ready to resume trade negotiations with the United States, but only after Washington adopts what he described as the proper approach toward Canadian industry and a genuine spirit of partnership. Speaking at a news conference in Quebec where he announced plans to construct six new icebreakers at a local shipyard, Carney struck a defiant tone after bilateral talks on a new trade agreement collapsed on Friday. The negotiations faltered when American negotiators altered their demands at the last moment, including proposals to restrict the use of French in certain contexts and to require Washington's approval for Ottawa's trade agreements with third countries, according to the prime minister.

Carney sets conditions for talks

Carney said that any future discussions depend on a fundamental shift in attitude from the US side. "When the Americans go to the negotiating table first with the right attitude toward our industry and a true partnership, of course we'll come to the negotiation table," he said, adding that Ottawa would not accept terms compromising Canadian sovereignty or linguistic rights.

Washington-Ottawa tensions rise

US officials denied Carney's characterization of the negotiations, with President Donald Trump taking to his Truth Social platform on Monday to criticize Ottawa's approach. "Canada is among the worst Nations in the World to deal with. They feel entitled yet WE DON'T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US," he said, as his administration imposed a 50% tariff on CAN$28 billion (US$20.21 billion) worth of Canadian exports that took effect Saturday.

Diversification strategy

The Canadian government is accelerating efforts to reduce its economic dependence on the United States — which currently receives approximately 70% of all Canadian exports — by diversifying its commercial partnerships across the globe. "In a rapidly changing world Canada is setting a new course," Carney's office said in a statement, noting that Ottawa has concluded 20 trade and security agreements with nations outside North America and announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs matching US levies dollar-for-dollar on specific goods to be detailed in early September. Trump has also threatened an additional 50% duty on Canadian automobiles, trucks and auto parts scheduled to take effect on January 1, further complicating the bilateral economic landscape.