Prince County, July 28, 2025 – The Europe Today: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated Monday that trade negotiations with the United States have entered an “intense phase” as both countries approach a critical Friday deadline to reach a bilateral agreement.
Speaking at a news conference in Prince County, Prince Edward Island, Carney emphasized the need for a fair and meaningful resolution. “Canadians don’t deserve the uncertainty that’s been thrust upon them… they want the right kind of resolution. They want a deal that makes sense for Canada,” he said.
Carney’s remarks follow recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who cast doubt on the possibility of an agreement, saying, “We haven’t really had a lot of luck with Canada,” and suggesting that the U.S. may opt for tariffs over negotiations. “I think Canada could be one where there’s just a tariff, not really a negotiation,” Trump said Friday outside the White House.
Trade discussions have become increasingly tense following a series of U.S. tariff threats targeting Canadian exports. Earlier this month, President Trump sent a letter to Carney threatening to impose a 35 per cent tariff on goods not in compliance with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Current tariffs include a 25 per cent levy on some Canadian exports, citing fentanyl trafficking as a national security risk, and a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum. Additional duties affect Canadian energy and potash exports (10 per cent), while non-U.S. content in automobile imports faces a 25 per cent tariff. Tariffs have also been proposed on pharmaceuticals, lumber, and copper.
Canada’s Minister of Trade with the U.S., Dominic LeBlanc, acknowledged the approaching deadline but emphasized that substance will not be sacrificed for speed. “We’re going to continue to work toward the August 1 deadline,” LeBlanc said. “But all of these deadlines are with the understanding that we’ll take the time necessary to get the best deal that we think is in the interest of the Canadian economy and Canadian workers.”
Despite growing challenges, Carney remained cautiously optimistic. “They’re tough negotiations, as they should be. We’re standing up for Canada, for Canadian interests,” he affirmed. “There is a landing zone that’s possible but we have to get there. We’ll see what happens.”
The U.S. has used tariffs as leverage in negotiations with multiple trade partners. Most recently, the European Union reached an agreement with the U.S. that reduced proposed tariffs from 30 per cent to 15 per cent.
Carney acknowledged that a potential deal may involve Canada accepting some levies but underscored Canada’s strong negotiating position. “The United States and Canada can do many good things together. We have done that in the past, we can do more in the future — but on fair terms for our country,” he concluded.
