Mark Carney says Canada is "in the middle of a tariff war with the Americans"

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that Canada is in a trade conflict with the United States, responding to President Donald Trump’s insults. He called the talks difficult but said they matter for Canadian jobs and business prospects, and laughed when asked about Trump’s characterization of Canadian leadership in a Wednesday Las Vegas speech. Canadian negotiators are in Washington, and Carney expects another conversation after their recent call. The U.S. already taxes Canadian steel, aluminum, and autos, and Trump has threatened 50 percent tariffs on more goods starting Aug. 19. Tariffs can raise consumer prices; Trump argues they will draw manufacturing to America, though evidence is thin. Trump’s repeated suggestions that Canada become an American state have angered Canadians, prompting some to skip U.S. travel. A U.S. trade official says Canada retaliated; Ottawa says its actions answered U.S. tariffs.