US Says Canada Rejected Trade Deal, New Tariffs to Take Effect
The US trade representative said Canada declined a deal that would have averted new tariffs. Tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods take effect at midnight.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that Canada has turned down the opportunity to reach a trade agreement that would have prevented new tariffs from being imposed. He described the outcome as a "missed opportunity for Canada."
As a result, tariffs on Canadian goods worth $20 billion are set to take effect at midnight. Greer characterized Canada's refusal as a surprising development in the ongoing trade discussions between the two countries.
Background
The development highlights continued tension in trade relations between the United States and Canada, with both sides having sought terms that would avoid additional duties. Canada's decision not to accept the proposed deal means new restrictions will now apply to a significant share of Canadian exports to the US.
Further details about why Canada chose not to accept the offered agreement have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether talks between the two sides will continue after the tariffs take effect.
