Jamieson Greer blames Canada for U.S. hitting back over counter-tariffs

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer asserts that Canada provoked the recent escalation in trade tensions between the two countries, according to a statement released on Tuesday. President Donald Trump recently signed five executive orders that ban most imports of Canadian dairy and alcohol products, as well as motorcycles. Greer's statement claimed that Canada abandoned a near-final trade deal that provided better terms than any other trading partner, instead opting to retaliate against the United States.

Prime Minister Mark Carney ended trade negotiations in August, citing three major sticking points. Carney expressed concern over automotive tariffs and the treatment of Canadian content in vehicles, as well as limits on Canada's ability to negotiate trade deals with other nations. Additionally, disagreements over French language rules were reported, although specific details were scarce.

Canada's minister for U.S. trade relations, Dominic LeBlanc, responded on social media, stating that the government is "in contact" with Greer and is ready to engage in good faith negotiations. LeBlanc emphasized the government's priority on protecting Canadian workers, farmers, and businesses from the U.S. tariff measures.