Trudeau on tariff deal: Canadian and US businesses can get back to ‘working constructively together’

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would lift steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada and Mexico, saying it paves the way for further economic cooperation.

“This decision reflects what is known to be true by friends on both sides of the border: Canada has been America’s most steadfast ally for more than a hundred years, and our long-standing partnership and closely linked economies make us more competitive around the world and improve our combined security,” Trudeau said in a statement Friday. 

{mosads}“With this decision, Canadian and American businesses can get back to what they do best – working constructively together to the benefit of our economies, our people, and our communities.”

Trump announced Friday that Washington had reached a deal with Ottawa and Mexico City to lift steel and aluminum tariffs as the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), a successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement, awaits passage in Congress.

“I am pleased to announce that we’ve just reached an agreement with Canada and Mexico and we will be sending our product into those countries without the imposition of tariffs or major tariffs,” Trump announced. “Hopefully Congress will pass the USMCA quickly.”

Republicans had threatened to hold up the deal unless the levies were lifted, though Democrats still have concerns about some of the agreement’s labor provisions.

Trudeau went on to tout Canada’s response to the initial tariffs, saying Ottawa “stood firm” against the import duties and said it will now lift its retaliatory taxes.

“We immediately retaliated dollar-for-dollar — the strongest retaliation in the world. We stood firm and would not back down until we achieved today’s outcome. As a result of today’s decision by the United States, Canada will lift its retaliatory tariffs,” Trudeau said.

“To the workers and businesses at the heart of Canada’s world-class steel and aluminum industries: We will always stand up for you and your families.” 

Vice President Pence announced Friday he will travel to Ottawa later this month to meet with Trudeau to work to advance the USMCA, praising the deal as a “WIN” for the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

I’ll travel to Ottawa, Canada on May 30th to meet with Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau on advancing the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) as swiftly as possible. This is a WIN for all 3 nations! https://t.co/Bt8PDtYOF5

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) May 17, 2019