The American Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, criticized Canada’s trade strategy on Friday, stating: “They are no good.”
Mr. Lutnick’s comments came in response to an article in the Financial Post quoting former Canadian chief negotiator Steve Verheul, who claimed that time was on Canada’s side in trade negotiations, as pressure on the United States would only increase.
Mr. Lutnick said it was the worst strategy
and that the United States was the world’s top consumer
.
He also criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating that he has a problem
with the United States and criticized his recent moves towards China.
He boards a plane and goes to China. Does he think that China, the Chinese economy, will buy their products? China is an export-driven economy,” he said. “He came back and said, ‘Oh, we’ll take their electric cars.’ I mean, is that completely insane?
U.S. Commerce representative Jamieson Greer declared earlier this month that he does not expect the negotiations on the trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico to conclude before July 1st.
This is the deadline for the United States to notify Canada and Mexico of their intentions regarding the trilateral trade pact, known as the USMCA.
Responding to questions from the House of Commons’ International Trade Committee on Thursday, Canadian Minister responsible for U.S.-Canada Trade Dominic LeBlanc stated that the Canadian government was eager to quickly sign an agreement that would benefit the Canadian economy.
Yes, progress is being made. We are in contact, and it’s not just with the Americans, it’s also progressing with our friends in Mexico.
I think we have a lot of things that the government and the American economy need. That’s why I remain optimistic that we will succeed
, added Mr. LeBlanc.
