Mark Carney. Photo: Sean Kilpatrick, The Canadian Press
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that the country does not intend to rush to conclude a new trade agreement with the United States. According to the politician, Canada has sufficient economic and strategic potential to negotiate from a position of strength.
In a commentary to Bloomberg, Carney stressed that Otava will act solely in its own interests and is ready to wait for more favourable terms before agreeing to any arrangements.
“We will not sign an agreement just to sign it. We have enough leverage to force our partners to take our interests into account,” Carney said.
His words came amid growing tensions between Washington and Ottawa. Donald Trump’s administration is actively pressuring trading partners to review tariffs, especially in the automotive sector, where it is talking about the possible introduction of new tariffs on Canadian imports.
Carney stressed that his government is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared for various scenarios.
“Canada has access to alternative markets and partners. We are in parallel negotiations with the EU, Asia and Latin America. Our strategic objective is diversification,” the Prime Minister added.
The Canadian government also emphasises the need to modernise the terms of the USMCA (updated NAFTA) to ensure equal access to US markets for Canadian goods, particularly in the high-tech and energy sectors.
