Carney said he does not accept unilateral conditions set by the United States, Canada draws a 'red line' to deal with trade negotiations with the United States
According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on the 23rd, Canadian Prime Minister Carney stated that negotiations between Canada and the US government to update the USMCA may take a long time. The Canadian government insists on promoting a "mutually beneficial" agreement and will not accept unilateral conditions set by the US, nor will it make additional concessions before negotiations. Carney said that the negotiations between Canada and the United States should be based on reciprocity, and "this is not a process where one side makes demands and the other side passively accepts them.
The British Broadcasting Corporation stated that currently, the trade relationship between Canada and the United States is tightening, and the prospects of the North American Free Trade Framework, the USMCA, remain uncertain. According to the arrangement, the three countries need to complete the mandatory review before or after July 1st, but both Canada and the United States believe it is difficult to complete it on time. US Trade Representative Greer recently stated in the US Congress that there are differences in trade concepts between the US and Canada. At present, the US has initiated bilateral negotiations with Mexico and plans to hold formal talks in May, while Canada and the US have not yet started formal negotiations.
According to reports, the US insists on treating the updated agreement separately from the steel and aluminum tariff measures, which involve Canadian steel, aluminum, wood, and automotive products; Canada advocates for overall promotion and opposes fragmented handling. Canadian and US Trade Secretary LeBron stated that he does not accept the approach of only negotiating agreements and leaving the impact of tariffs to be dealt with later.
On specific issues, the US has made multiple demands on Canada. Previously, Canada had cancelled the digital service tax targeting technology companies and suspended some retaliatory tariffs against the United States, but did not receive a reciprocal response. The US side still demands the repeal of the Online Streaming Act, the adjustment of the dairy supply management system, and expresses dissatisfaction with Canada's restrictions on US alcohol sales, government procurement, and customs procedures, even warning of possible enforcement actions.
Faced with pressure, Canada's attitude tends to be tough. LeBron stated that Canada will not compromise on relevant issues before the US cancels or adjusts steel and aluminum tariffs. He emphasized that the federal government will not require provinces to adjust their policies unless the US proposes a plan to improve their economic situation. At the same time, Canada has set a "red line", including not canceling the dairy supply management system and not abandoning cultural and French language protection policies.
On the issue of tariffs, the US stance is equally firm. Greer said that the United States will not return to the era of "zero tariffs" and will continue to protect domestic industries through tariffs.