Canada responds strongly to the threat of US tariff escalation, with politicians making intensive statements

Ottawa, August 24 (Xinhua) -- Canadian politicians made intensive statements on the latest tariff threat issued by the United States on the 24th, emphasizing that Canada will not accept unequal bilateral relations and may take measures including economic relief and export restrictions to deal with the Canada US trade war.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney said that Canada is only willing to return to the negotiating table if the United States changes its attitude and establishes a genuine partnership. He does not accept the attitude that Canada is a vassal of the United States, nor does he accept Canada's disadvantageous position in its relations with the United States. Carney also stated that the US actions have limited Canada's ability to sign trade agreements with other countries and infringed upon Canada's "core cultural interests".

Canadian Finance Minister Shang Pengfei stated that the Canadian government will provide support policies to businesses affected by tariffs. Canada's primary plan has always been to build a strong domestic economy, eliminate trade barriers between provinces, promote economic diversification, and implement major projects domestically.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Chr é tien suggested that the Canadian government should impose export taxes on specific export goods to counter the new tariffs imposed by the United States. Chretien said that if you want to be invincible, you must hit the opponent's vital points. He specifically mentioned Canadian commodities that the United States highly relies on, such as energy, oil, natural gas, and potassium fertilizer, and pointed out that the benefit of imposing export taxes is that it is Americans who pay the bill, not Canada itself.

Ontario Governor Ford stated that Canada needs to "exhaust all means" to counterattack, and if the trade dispute escalates further, Canada should be prepared to cut off power and critical mineral supplies to the United States.

On July 20th, US President Trump signed multiple announcements imposing a 50% tariff on hundreds of specific goods imported from Canada, including red wine, hockey sticks, and cement, under Section 338 of the Smoot Hawley Tariff Act. The relevant measures came into effect on August 22, but did not involve Canadian automobiles, automotive parts, and steel products.

The US Canada trade negotiations recently failed to reach an agreement. On August 22, Carney announced that Canada will implement retaliatory tariffs of equal amount starting from September 8.

Earlier on August 24th, Trump posted on social media that he would increase import tariffs on Canadian cars, auto parts, and steel products to 50% starting from January 1, 2027.