Canada will remove all tariffs on American goods that comply with the requirements of the existing North American Free Trade Agreement, announced Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to AFP. This decision coincides with the relief measures confirmed earlier this month by Washington.

Carney, speaking to journalists a day after extended talks with President Donald Trump, stated that “Canada currently has the best deal of any country with the United States.” He noted that following a series of agreements the U.S. signed with major partners, including the European Union, it is clear that the Trump administration is forcing countries “to pay for access to the world’s largest economy.”

According to the Prime Minister, the average customs rate on goods entering the U.S. from around the world is now 16%, compared to 2% before Trump took office. The tariff on Canadian goods is 5.6%, with Carney adding that “85% of our trade is duty-free.”

Carney emphasized that the U.S. decision to maintain tariff exemptions on all goods compliant with the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement was crucial. From September 1, Canada will respond with the same measure as a gesture of goodwill, aiming to “intensify” discussions with the Trump administration on broader trade relations.

The former professional hockey player used hockey metaphors to explain the rationale behind the decisions: “There was a time in the game when we dropped the gloves in the first period to send a signal, and we did. Now it’s time to put the puck in the net,” Carney said, emphasizing that Ottawa is focused on achieving a deal with long-term benefits for the Canadian economy. | BGNES