US President Donald Trump signed an imposing 35% customs duties on Canadian products not covered by the North American free trade agreement on Thursday. Canada denounces a unilateral and unjustified decision.
Thursday, President Donald Trump announced a spectacular increase in customs duties at 35% on products from Canada which are not covered by the free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada (ACEUM). This measure, signed by presidential decree, will come into force from August 1.
Disappointed Canada
According to a White House press release, Canadian goods passing through third countries to circumvent these rights will be struck by an additional 40%tax. The American administration criticizes Ottawa its “inaction” and its “continuous reprisals”, thus justifying these economic sanctions.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, recently appointed head of government, said he was “disappointed” by the American decision. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to ACEUM, saying that this decision was against the spirit of regional cooperation.
Donald Trump, for his part, said that Mark Carney had tried a diplomatic opening before the deadline of August 1, but that “no conversation had taken place”.
American protectionism
Donald Trump has multiplied, in recent months, warnings against its business partners. He warned that any country did not conclude a new agreement with the United States before August 1 would see its exports heavily taxed. This gesture is part of a broader logic of economic protectionism which he defends within the framework of his electoral campaign.
