Mr. Carney avoided commenting on these words from Mr. Trump on Monday. “It is a negotiation. [Il faut] Take what is said in public as part of this context, ”he just answered when questioned on the subject during a press briefing on the Prince Edward Island.
With the approach of the deadline of August 1 imposed by the American president for the entry into force of additional customs duties, he argued that Canada was invested in commercial talks
He again hinted that Ottawa will not hasten to sign any agreement before this deadline when he recognized the uncertainty that entrepreneurs and industries face.
“They want the right type of resolution. They want an agreement that makes sense to Canada, for businesses as well as Canadian workers, and negotiations are in an intense phase, he said. It is a complex negotiation. “
The American president said on Friday that discussions with Ottawa were not a priority. “We have no agreement with Canada, we did not focus on it.”
The tenant of the White House was dissatisfied with the discussions, arguing that his administration was not “very lucky with Canada” and that no negotiated solution could be found.
Mr. Carney minimized the dissatisfaction expressed by Trump on Monday. “It is a negotiation. We say from time to time “I am not satisfied. Canadians are difficult”. Yes, of course, we are difficult because we are fighting for Canada. ”
Dominic Leblanc in Washington
The Minister responsible for Commerce between Canada and the United States, Dominic Leblanc, is due to return to Washington this week for other meetings as part of the negotiations. His team was unable to give more details on Monday on the minister’s agenda.
Rights on steel and aluminum, which amounts to 50 %, is an important element of negotiations for Canada since it is an important supplier of these metals with Americans. However, according to Mr. Trump, there is very little room for maneuver to revise the surcharge targeting this type of Canadian imports.
For several days, both Ottawa and Washington seem to want to lower expectations that a business agreement has been found by August 1.
An agreement will not necessarily mean the end of the American customs duties, reiterated Mr. Carney on Monday, affirming that indeed, it is “unlikely”.
“But there is the question of the level [et] The size of the prices and there are other aspects, including the security of Canada, “he added.
Trump sent a letter to the Prime Minister threatening to impose customs duties of 35 % on Canadian products imported into the United States if a trade agreement is not concluded by August 1.
The White House later said that these customs duties would only apply to products that do not comply with the trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. This exemption, if it materializes, is vast.
Canada is already affected by customs duties imposed by Mr. Trump on steel, aluminum and cars, and will be affected by copper rights that should also be added.
