U.S. Trade Chief Warns He Won't Accept Canadian Retaliation Amid Tariff Standoff

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told reporters in Des Moines that retaliation by Canada would not be tolerated and that the United States would respond firmly. He suggested that Canada might choose a more cooperative approach, though the outcome remains uncertain. Negotiations have involved Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and chief negotiator Janice Charette in recent weeks, aiming to avert President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 50 % tariff on $29 billion of Canadian exports under Section 338 of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act.

Canada also seeks relief from existing Section 232 tariffs, which currently levy 50 % on primary steel, aluminum and copper, 25 % on autos, and 10 % on softwood lumber. Prime Minister Mark Carney has not ruled out retaliation if the new tariffs are enacted, and sources say a proposed agreement could be presented to Trump on Monday. The Canadian prime minister, on vacation in Italy, remains in contact with officials, while LeBlanc is set to brief the Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations.