U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not want a trade deal with Canada after the August 1 deadline is reached.
“We don’t really have a lot of luck with Canada,” Trump told reporters before heading to Scotland on Friday. “I think Canada might be just tariffs, not real negotiations.”
His remarks were made after Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier this week that Canada “will not accept bad deals” and was eager to reach a deal.
Canada is one of several countries that Trump has ended in August, part of his global tariff strategy and pushes for renegotiation with U.S. trading partners.
Trump said U.S. importers face a 35% tax on purchases from Canada if no deal is reached before the August 1 deadline.
However, under the existing North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico, such taxation does not apply to goods in compliance.
Trump has imposed a 25% blanket tariff on imports of certain Canadian goods, a 50% tariff on imports of aluminum and steel, and a 25% tariff on all cars and trucks not built in the United States.
The U.S. President believes that these will promote U.S. manufacturing and protection efforts.
The move undermined the global economy and prompted critics to warn that products could become more expensive for American consumers.
Canada sells three-quarters of its products to the United States, and its automotive industry is closely linked to its southern neighbors – making the impact of tariffs even more important.
Since Prime Minister Carney took office in May, the two countries have held fierce trade and security negotiations. But Canadian officials recently downplayed the possibility of a deal soon.
Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic Leblanc told reporters Thursday that negotiators “have a lot of work” in front of them after a two-day visit to Washington.
He described the ongoing speech as “productive” and “kind” but reiterated that Canada will spend “time to get the best deal.”
Trump has announced trade agreements announced in recent days with other countries, including Japan, which he said would face a 15% tariff rate in exchange for a $55 billion (£400.9 billion) investment in the U.S.
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