By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday said the country had made “vital progress” in combating fentanyl, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to work with the United States after the US President Donald Trump announced a new 35% tariff on Canadian goods set to take effect in August.
“Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America. We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries,” Carney wrote on social media, reported by the press.
The new tariff was announced alongside levies on other nations, marks an increase from the earlier 25 per cent rate imposed by Trump and is scheduled to take effect from August 1, media stated.
Trump had first raised concerns in February, accused Canada of enabling the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigration across the northern border.
According to media reports, US Customs and Border Protection has seized 31 pounds of fentanyl on the US-Canada border so far this year.
“If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” Trump wrote to Carney as reported in media.
US and Canada were working toward a trade agreement by July 21, but the date has now been extended to August 1 due to Trump’s fluctuated tariff strategies, media noted.
Carney has maintained a comparatively cordial relationship with President Trump than his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, since he took over the leadership.
“Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses,” Carney posted on X.
“We are strengthening our trading partnerships throughout the world,” The Hill reported.
