Subhechcha Ganguly 
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday responded firmly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1. In a post on social media platform X, Carney stated that Canada will “continue to defend our businesses and workers” during the ongoing trade negotiations.
Highlighting cross-border cooperation on drug control, Carney emphasized Canada’s efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis. “We’ve made vital progress in stopping the scourge of fentanyl in North America, and we remain committed to working with the U.S. to save lives and protect communities on both sides,” he wrote.
President Trump’s decision was communicated via an official letter to Carney—one of over 20 such letters sent to global leaders this week. Trump cited concerns over Canada’s trade practices, the opioid crisis, and the U.S. trade deficit as reasons for the steep tariff. The original tariff deadline of July 9 was extended to August 1, allowing additional time for negotiation.
