Donald Trump optužuje Marka Carneyja da ga čini "neprijateljem" dok premijer najavljuje investiciju Via Raila od 4,7 milijardi dolara

OTTAWA, On September 1, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada’s imposition of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports does not constitute an escalation of the trade conflict. The tariffs, which target approximately $28 billion worth of U.S. goods, took effect on the same day, marking a direct response to President Donald Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on Canadian exports under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Carney addressed journalists via video, emphasizing that the tariffs were necessary to protect Canadian workers, businesses, and communities. He noted that his government could not allow U.S. goods to enter Canada without tariffs, while the U.S. imposes costs on Canadian exporters. The move follows the collapse of trade talks between Canada and the U.S., which ended on August 21, 2026, after the U.S. threatened to impose tariffs unless Canada agreed to a series of trade concessions. The U.S. imposed its tariffs on Canadian goods, including automobiles, dairy, alcohol, metals, and consumer products, following failed negotiations. These tariffs were part of a broader trade dispute that began earlier in 2026, when Trump singled out Canada over allegations related to fentanyl trafficking and later imposed a 10 percent tariff on goods suspected of being produced using forced labor. Canada had previously responded with limited tariffs, keeping the effective rate on U.S. imports below two percent. However, the latest measures bring the average duty level close to four percent. In response, Canada implemented matching tariffs on U.S. imports, targeting sectors such as apparel, timber, steel, aluminum, agricultural equipment, appliances, pulp and paper, plastics, and electronics. This dollar-for-dollar retaliation increases the effective tariff rate on Canadian imports to the U.S. to near six percent, according to available data. Carney acknowledged the risks of the decision, noting that nearly 70 percent of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. and that he lacks the leverage to negotiate favorable terms. Despite these concerns, he defended the action as a necessary step to safeguard domestic interests. The U.S. has continued to push for further concessions, including the removal of Canadian French language rules and restrictions on its ability to engage in independent trade agreements. The situation reflects a deepening trade rift between the two nations, with both sides imposing tariffs in a tit-for-tat manner. While the immediate impact of the tariffs remains unclear, the ongoing dispute highlights the challenges of managing economic relations amid political tensions. As negotiations remain stalled, the future of bilateral trade will depend on whether either side is willing to compromise or escalate the conflict further.