Canadian US ambassador Kirsten Hillman said Monday that 99% of products traded between the two countries were without tariffs.
“Between Canada and the US [U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement]The deal negotiated under President Trump in Canada and the US's first term of office is 99% free of tariffs, “Hillman told News Nations.”Cuomo“A few hours after meeting Mark Carney, the Prime Minister designated.
She added that the remaining customs products are primarily in the agricultural sector and are specially designed to protect small family farms.
Hillman defended Canada's position, noting that the US is selling three times more dairy products to Canada, the other way around.
“Canada is your primary customer and you have a trade surplus with Canada on all manufactured goods,” Hillman said. “We provide affordable, reliable energy that will help drive the US economy.”
She explained that both countries maintain similar protective measures — the US and Canada for sugar, dairy, fruits and vegetables, primarily restricting the import of dairy products.
These duties will only become active once an agreed import quota has been reached, as negotiated under the USMCA.
What is the trade war between the United States and Canada?
The Ontario government announced that it had implemented a 25% extra charge on electricity exports to Michigan, Minnesota and New York, affecting approximately 1.5 million homes and businesses. The measure could cost up to $400,000 per day, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's office.
Canada's actions directly respond to the Trump administration's recent imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports. Trump has since exempted carmakers from duties and delayed the implementation of products covered by the US-Mexico-Canada contract.
Carney, who won the Liberal leadership with nearly 86% of the vote, is expected to be sworn as prime minister within days.
He took a firm stance on the trade dispute, saying, “The Canadian government has retaliated correctly. …My government will maintain tariffs until Americans show respect for us.”
The hill contributed the report.
