‘Cannot accept what was offered’: Canadian PM Mark Carney on why US trade deal didn't work

Following the collapse of trade negotiations with the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the country could not accept US terms for a trade deal.

The United States imposed 50 per cent tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday, after the countries failed to reach a trade deal despite President Donald Trump extending the August 18 midnight deadline by three days, allowing talks to continue. Canada has said it will impose retaliatory tariffs beginning September 8.

After the failure of last-ditch negotiations to resolve strains, Carney said, “We cannot accept what they've offered, and we will not give what they've asked.” The Canadian PM announced that Ottawa would slap retaliatory tariffs on steel and dairy products in response to US duties.

Carney revealed that Canada had been willing to drop remaining retaliatory tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos in return for Washington substantially lowering its own, and was prepared to encourage provinces to restore US alcohol sales, the Associated Press reported.

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