Canada “cheating” in the Canada-United States-Mexico (ACEUM) agreement, launched Donald Trump on Sunday during an interview on the show Sunday Morning Futures broadcast on Fox News. The American president has excluded any resumption of negotiations with short -term Ottawa and does not plan to extend the 90 -day break on customs duties imposed on most countries.
“People do not realize how vicious Canada can be in negotiations,” he told journalist Maria Bartiromo, denouncing customs duties “of almost 400 %” on dairy products. This criticism refers directly to supply management, a Canadian system that limits the import of certain agricultural products while supporting the income of local producers.
During the interview of almost 60 minutes, Trump conditioned his return to the negotiation table with Canada to the abolition of certain Canadian taxes, without however naming them. Friday, he retired from the talks with Ottawa, notably criticizing the tax on digital services, which he considered “disproportionate”, according to his administration.
However, a resumption of discussions could be complex. Before suspending its work for the summer, the Canadian Parliament adopted Bill C -202, which prohibits the federal government from giving grounds on the management of the offer in its international trade agreements. This provision restricts the power of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, preventing it from increasing prices or reducing customs duties on management products.
Customs duties break
Later in the interview, Donald Trump announced that he does not plan to extend the 90-day break on customs duties imposed on most countries beyond July 9, when the negotiation period he set will expire.
“No need for meetings,” he insisted. “We will look at how each country treats us. For some, we will not break our heads. We will simply send a big figure. Letters could impose rights up to 10 %, 25 %, 35 %or even 50 %.
These letters, he added, will say: “Congratulations, we allow you to shop in the United States, but you will pay customs duties”.
At a press conference held on Friday at the White House, Trump had minimized the importance of this deadline by stressing the difficulty of concluding separate agreements with each country. It was set as a goal of signing 90 commercial agreements in 90 days.
Negotiations continue, but as “there are 200 countries, we cannot speak to all countries,” he said.
In the interview, Mr. Trump also mentioned a potential agreement with Tiktok, relations with China, strikes against Iran and his policy of repression of immigration.
With David Klepper and Ali Swenson of the Associated Press
