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OTTAWA - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday that retaliatory measures are being considered if his government fails to reach a deal with US President Donald Trump before new US tariffs take effect, reported Xinhua quoting local media.
"Everything is on the table" depending on the outcome of negotiations with Washington, said Carney at a press conference following a meeting with provincial and territorial leaders in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
Regarding possible retaliation if and when the new tariffs come into effect next month, Carney said, "there's a full range of things that we can do in that regard."
"We don't need to respond in advance," he said, "In fact, I think it would be counterproductive at this stage to respond in advance."
On Thursday morning, Carney said that his government would do "whatever it takes" to defend Canada's national interests in response to recent US tariff threats, stressing that Canada would protect and support its workers, farmers, businesses and families amid trade pressure from Washington.
"We are in a stronger position than we were when this trade war started 18 months ago," Carney said. "We're in a stronger position because of the determination of Canadians themselves, and the focus of the premiers around this table."
Trump on Monday signed proclamations to impose an additional 50 per cent tariff on certain Canadian goods, accusing Canada of discriminating against US commerce.
The additional 50 per cent ad valorem duties on certain dairy products, alcoholic beverages, motor vehicles and related goods will take effect on Aug 19, according to documents posted on the White House website.
In response, Carney on Monday described the new US tariffs as "the latest in a series of unilateral US trade actions in direct violation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement."
Carney said on Tuesday that he had spoken with Trump, and the two sides had agreed to intensify trade negotiations. - BERNAMA