Ottawa abandons certain customs duties

Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney abandons his response against the United States for products affected by the free trade agreement between Canada. Nevertheless, the United States and Mexico (ACEUM). Similarly,

The decision. However, which will come into force on September 1, aims to harmonize Canada’s trade policy with that of the United States, while Canadian products in accordance with ACEUM are not the subject of customs duties.

Since March, Canada has imposed 25 % customs duties on a long list of American products.

On the other hand. Furthermore, Ottawa retains its response for the steel and aluminum sector because the United States still imposes a global customs right of 50 %. Furthermore, ottawa abandons certain customs duties The Federal also maintains its reprisals in the automotive sector.

Among the trade partners of the United States. Nevertheless, “it is clear that the United States grants us the best trade agreement in the world,” Carney told a press conference on Friday at the parliamentary hill in Ottawa. Therefore,

He stressed that 85 % of Canadian products comply with ACEUM, therefore free of customs duties. Similarly, On average, this would represent customs duties of 5.5 % on all Canadian exports to the United States. Similarly, although this percentage is much higher for sectors not in accordance with ACEUM.

“Compare with the global average of 16 %is much lower,” he said.

Carney said he wanted to concentrate his efforts on the upcoming renegotiation of the ACEUM next year.

“It’s time to target our efforts in the strategic sector, steel, aluminum, cars, wood. (…) There is the opportunity to have a strategic agreement with ottawa abandons certain customs duties the United States. an economic and security partnership with the United States. ”

A White House representative praised the decision before it was officially announced by the Prime Minister. The decision was “expected for a long time”.

The announcement follows a telephone discussion on Thursday, between Carney and the American president, Donald Trump.

Mr. Carney defended himself from bending in front of the American president when he had already put water in his wine. in particular by abandoning the tax on digital services.

“What we do, once again is to harmonize with what the United States does,” said the Prime Minister.

Carney says it should noted that the economic objectives of the United States have changed under the leadership of Donald. Trump.

“No one has the same understanding he had before with the United States. They have fundamentally changed (their commercial policy). It is their right. We respect him. (…) They have new ottawa abandons certain customs duties goals.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is delighted with the decision of the federal government.

“It’s a step in the right direction. This will take pressure on small Canadian businesses while commercial negotiations are continuing. “Corinne Pohlmann, executive vice-president, defense of the FCEI said.

On the union side, the president of Unifor, Lara Payne, condemned the announcement of Mr. Carney.

“Trump’s attacks on automotive, steel, aluminum and forest sectors harm Canadian workers in real time. To abandon the counter-grounds is not to give an olive branch is to open the door to other American attacks. ”