Russia launches a major aerial attack on Kyiv hours before high-level talks on support for Ukraine
The attack killed two people and wounded 15, including a 12-year-old, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
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National Post
23 minutes ago
- National Post
Carney 'disappointed' by 35 per cent tariffs, vows to protect jobs
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his disappointment on Friday about U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to increase so-called 'fentanyl tariffs' to 35 per cent and said his government is committed to supporting the most affected sectors. Article content In a 'fact sheet' from the White House, the Trump administration defended its latest action by blaming Canada for reportedly failing to 'cooperate in curbing the ongoing flood of fentanyl' and for having retaliated against the U.S. since their original round of tariffs. Article content Article content Article content However, goods that qualify for 'preferential tariff treatment' under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico free trade agreement (CUSMA) continue to remain exempt from tariffs, it said. Article content Article content 'While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA, which is the world's second-largest free trade agreement by trading volume,' wrote Carney in a statement on X published shortly after midnight on Friday. Article content The prime minister added that the application of CUSMA means that the average tariff rate on Canadian goods going to the U.S. remains one of the lowest for all its trading partners. Article content However, he said other sectors of Canada's economy will remain heavily impacted by tariffs, he said. Steel and aluminum were already subject to 50 per cent tariffs, with copper now impacted by that same rate, but lumber and automobiles are also of great concern. Article content 'For such sectors, the Canadian government will act to protect Canadian jobs, invest in our industrial competitiveness, buy Canadian, and diversity our export markets,' he said. Article content Carney said despite the U.S. justifying its action on the flow of fentanyl, Canada accounts for only one per cent of U.S. fentanyl imports and 'has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes' with 'historic' investments for security at the border. Article content Carney did not announce a new deadline to conclude a new economic and security agreement with the U.S. and rather insisted on making Canada more self-reliant. Article content 'While we will continue to negotiate with the United States on our trading relationship, the Canadian government is laser focused on what we can control: building Canada strong,' he said, pointing to internal trade between provinces and the building of major projects. Article content 'Together, these initiatives have the potential to catalyse over half a trillion dollars of new investments in Canada,' he added. Article content Carney concluded his statement by saying Canadians will become their own best customers and create 'more well-paying careers at home' while the government continues to 'strengthen and diversify' its trading partnerships around the world.
CTV News
23 minutes ago
- CTV News
‘Canadians will be our own best customer': Carney hits back on new Trump tariffs
Prime Minister Mark Carney says U.S. President Donald Trump's new 35 per cent tariffs are disappointing but that Canada will continue to develop trade both domestically and overseas in response. 'While we will continue to negotiate with the United States on our trading relationship, the Canadian government is laser focused on what we can control: building Canada strong,' Carney wrote in a statement posted to X on Friday morning. 'Canadians will be our own best customer, creating more well-paying careers at home, as we strengthen and diversify our trading partnerships throughout the world. We can give ourselves more than any foreign government can ever take away.' The prime minister's comments come following Trump's Aug. 1 deadline for Canada and other U.S. partners to reach new trade agreements, under threat of yet another round of sweeping import tariffs. Trump signed an executive order activating tariffs against 68 countries and the European Union Thursday evening. New tariffs of 35 per cent on Canadian exports, effective Friday, exclude products under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement (CUSMA), the White House has said. 'The U.S. application of CUSMA means that the U.S. average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest for all of its trading partners,' Carney noted in his Friday statement. Among the justifications Trump has offered in recent months for tariffs on Canada are trade deficits, supply management in Canada's dairy industry, Canada's recent announcement of intentions to recognize a sovereign Palestinian state and alleged flows of illicit fentanyl across the Canada-U.S. border. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other agencies show that only a fraction of U.S. fentanyl imports come from the northern border; a proportion described by one U.S. think tank as 'not an important part of this story.' 'Canada's government is making historic investments in border security to arrest drug traffickers, take down transnational gangs, and end migrant smuggling,' Carney wrote. 'We will continue working with the United States to stop the scourge of fentanyl and save lives in both our countries.' This is a developing story. More details to come. With files from The Associated Press
CTV News
23 minutes ago
- CTV News
U.S. trade partners around the world react to Trump's new tariffs. Live updates here
Experts weigh in on U.S President Trump's trade deal approach and the potential legal challenges he could face. Joy Malbon reports. U.S. trade partners reacted Friday to U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order that would introduce new tariffs on many of them in seven days, as the global economy and alliances face another test from the president's trade agenda. Trump's order issued Thursday night came after a flurry of tariff-related activity in recent days as the White House announced agreements with various nations and blocs before a deadline set by the president for Aug. 1. Trump ordered a 35% tariff for goods from Canada, effective from Friday, citing a lack of cooperation on illicit drugs. He also said Thursday that he would extend trade negotiations with Mexico for 90 days. Here's the latest: Swiss watch industry group `very disappointed' The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry says it is 'very disappointed and surprised' by the 39% tariffs imposed on Swiss exports. Swiss luxury watch brands -- with products that cost tens of thousands, if not the hundreds of thousands, of euros -- are expected to be hit hard by the tariffs. 'As Switzerland has eliminated all custom duties on imported industrial products, there is no problem with reciprocity between Switzerland and the U.S.,' the federation said in a statement. 'The tariffs constitute a severe problem for our bilateral relations. As an additional deadline has been granted, we expect that the Swiss authorities continue to negotiate and find a better solution.' Swatch and Rolex declined to comment Friday. Kosovo lifts tariffs on U.S. goods Kosovo's Cabinet on Friday decided to remove trade tariffs for American products imported into Kosovo. 'We are grateful for our enduring relationship with the United States of America,' Prime Minister Albin Kurti said in a statement on X. Kosovo's goods have a 10% tariff when exported to the United States. Norwegian furniture maker will pass on costs to American customers Norway's largest furniture manufacturer, Ekorne, says it will increase its prices for American customers as a result of the 15% tariffs, Norwegian broadcaster TV2 reported. Tine Hammernes Leopold, Ekorne's chief executive, told TV2 that the manufacturer has to adjust its prices, which are assessed based on individual markets. The furniture company earned more than $96 million last year in the U.S., TV2 reported. India plays down any strain in relationship with U.S. India's Foreign Ministry has dismissed any strain in relationship with the U.S. following the imposition of 25% tariffs on Indian goods. Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said Friday that India and U.S. share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, which is anchored in shared interests, democratic values and robust people-to-people ties. 'This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges,' he said. 'We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward.' The ministry also said that India's relationship with Russia was 'steady and time-tested.' The Trump administration also imposed an additional import tax on India because of New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil. Jaiswal said India's broader stance on securing energy needs was guided by availability in the markets and prevailing global circumstances. South Africa finalizing support package to companies South Africa's government is finalizing a package to support companies that will be affected by the 30% tariff on its exports to the U.S. announced by President Donald Trump. The citrus and vehicle manufacturing industries in South Africa are among those expected to be hit hard. President Cyril Ramaphosa said in statement Friday that the country would continue negotiating with the U.S. government regarding the tariffs, also noting that some key products like copper, pharmaceuticals and energy products were exempted from Trump's reciprocal tariffs. Anticipating the imminent 30% tarriffs, South Africa's central bank has revised the country's annual growth forecast from 1.2% to 1%, citing the tariffs' impact on agricultural and manufacturing exports. Labour federation Cosatu, which represents over 1.5 million workers, has warned of potential jobs losses. Swiss pharmaceutical Novartis reacts to 39% tariff Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis said in a statement that it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order that imposes a 39% tariff on Switzerland. 'We remain committed to finding ways to improve access and affordability for patients,' it said. Thailand says 19% rate reflects `close partnership' with US Thailand's finance minister says the 19% tariff rate imposed by the U.S. 'reflects the strong friendship and close partnership' between the two countries. Thailand's new rate of 19% was reduced from 36%, similar to other rates imposed on Southeast Asian nations, such as Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira wrote in a social media post on Friday that it would 'maintain Thailand's competitiveness on the global stage' and opens the 'door to economic growth,' but also acknowledged it would pose problems for some sectors of the economy and said that 'comprehensive support measures have been prepared.' Speaking to reporters at a news conference in Bangkok later Friday, Pichai said that the deal will still need more time to be hammered out in details. Pakistan welcomes 19% tariffs under US trade deal Pakistan on Friday welcomed a new tariff arrangement with the United States that sets a 19% duty on Pakistani exports, calling it a positive step that could boost trade and economic growth. The new rate is lower than the 29% tariff initially announced by Trump and below the 25% currently imposed on neighboring India. In a statement, the Finance Ministry said the agreement reflects a 'balanced and forward-looking approach' by U.S. authorities and will help keep Pakistani goods competitive in the American market compared to other South and Southeast Asian countries. The ministry said the revised tariff is expected to benefit key export sectors, particularly textiles, which remain the backbone of Pakistan's export economy. The ministry said Pakistan will continue to engage closely with Trump and the U.S. administration to promote the shared goals of economic development and mutual prosperity. Norway wants 'zero tariffs' Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told newspaper VG that he believes the Scandinavian country should have 'zero tariffs.' Gahr Støre, following the White House's announcement, said Norwegian officials are still in talks with Washington in the hopes of eliminating the duties altogether. Norway got hit with an expected 15% tariff. Switzerland hit with 39% tariff and will try to negotiate The land of luxury watches, pharmaceuticals and secretive financial services was reeling Friday, Switzerland's National Day, upon learning it had been slapped with a 39% tariff, although Trump had proposed a 31% rate in April. The Swiss government said officials will continue to seek a negotiated solution. 'The Federal Council notes with great regret that, despite the progress made in bilateral talks and Switzerland's very constructive stance from the outset, the US intends to impose unilateral additional tariffs on imports from Switzerland,' the government said in a post on X. Trump orders a 35% tariff for goods from Canada Trump has raised the tariff rate on U.S. imports from Canada to 35% from 25%, effective Friday. The announcement from the White House late Thursday said Canada had failed 'to do more to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept drug trafficking organizations, other drug or human traffickers, criminals at large, and illicit drugs.' Trump earlier had threatened to impose the higher tariff on Canada if no deal was reached by Friday, his deadline for reaching trade agreements with dozens of countries. Canada was not included in Trump's updated list of tariff rates on other countries announced late Thursday. Those import duties are due to take effect on Aug. 7. Malaysia hails 'significant achievement' in 19% tariff rate Malaysia's Trade Ministry said Friday that the U.S. tariff reduction from 25% to 19% was a 'significant achievement' as the deal was struck without compromising key national interests. 'The 19% rate roughly tracks the rate of other countries in the Southeast Asian region,' the ministry said in a statement. 'Most importantly, Malaysia had stood firm on various 'red line' items, and the 19% tariff rate was achieved without compromising the nation's sovereign right to implement key policies to support the nation's socio-economic stability and growth.' The ministry said that Malaysia's economy remains resilient despite global headwinds, citing strong domestic demand and ongoing structural reforms. The statement didn't give further details but officials previously said non-tariff barriers such as halal certification, which affects U.S. beef and poultry exports, along with digital trade and government procurement were sticky points. It's unclear what concessions Malaysia made. Cambodia will impose zero tariffs on all American goods Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, who led his nation's trade talks with the U.S., thanked Trump for setting the tariff rate on Cambodian goods at 19% and said his country will impose zero tariffs on all American goods. When Washington originally posted its list of notional 'reciprocal' tariffs, the rate for goods from Cambodia was 49%, one of the highest in the world. It had estimated that Cambodian tariffs on U.S. imports averaged 97%. Sun Chanthol also said Cambodia would purchase 10 passenger aircraft from Boeing in a deal they hoped to sign later this month. Several other nations had already announced similar aircraft purchase deals as part of their trade packages. Trump had threatened to not conclude a deal with reduced tariffs if Cambodia and Thailand did not stop a recent armed conflict over border territory. The two nations agreed on a ceasefire beginning Tuesday that appears to be holding. Cambodia publicly celebrated Trump's peace initiative, suggesting he deserved a Nobel Prize for his intervention. Sun Chanthol said Friday that Cambodia would nominate him for the honour. Australia's 10% tariff rate is vindication of the country's 'cool and calm negotiations,' trade minister says Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell says gaining the minimum U.S. tariff on exports including beef, lamb, wine and wheat gave Australia a competitive advantage over some competitors. Farrell told reporters Australia did not introduce tariffs on U.S. goods at any point, and added, 'I haven't seen any case or any example where the retaliatory imposition of tariffs has resulted in a country being in a better position.' Farrell argues that no U.S. tariffs can be justified because Australia imposes no tariffs on its bilateral free trade partner. The United States has enjoyed a trade surplus with Australia for decades. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticized for failing to secure a face-to-face meeting with Trump to discuss trade. Japan welcomes Trump's signing of the executive order as an ease in uncertainty Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi welcomed Trump's signing of the executive order setting Japan's new reciprocal tariffs as a step that would reduce uncertainty of the U.S. trade policy and its negative impact on the global economy, including that of Japan. Hayashi, however, said Japan still needs to closely examine the measures and continue urging prompt implementation by the U.S. government to carry out the agreement, including reduction of tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. Hayashi acknowledged that Japan's new tariff rate of 15% is a 'major reduction' from the initially imposed 25%, but his government will continue to watch and mitigate its impact on Japanese exports, including by providing financial assistance for small and medium-sized businesses. New Zealand looks to lobby for lower tariff rates New Zealand officials said they would lobby the administration for a change to the 15% tariff announced for the country's exporters to the U.S. It's an increase from the original 10% baseline announced for New Zealand in April. 'We don't think this is a good thing. We don't think it's warranted,' Trade Minister Todd McClay told Radio New Zealand Friday. He said New Zealand appeared to have been targeted for a larger levy because the country sells more to the U.S. than it imports, but that the gap of about half a billion dollars each year was 'not significant or meaningful.' Neighboring Australia dodged an increase to remain at 10%, but it buys more from the U.S. than it exports, McClay added. The United States in January overtook Australia to become New Zealand's second-largest export partner, behind China. New Zealand exports are largely made up of meat, dairy, wine and agricultural machinery. Taiwan president says final tariff negotiations with US yet to come Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan had yet to engage in final negotiations with the U.S. owing to scheduling difficulties and that he was hopeful the final tariff rate would be reduced even further after a final round of talks. The Trump administration hit Taiwan with 32% tariffs, and lowered it to 20% on Thursday. Taiwan was notified on Thursday by the administration of the lower rate. 'Twenty percent from the beginning has not been our goal. We hope that in further negotiations we will get a more beneficial and more reasonable tax rate,' he told reporters in Taipei on Friday. Lai also linked trade talks to security issues, as the U.S. is Taiwan's largest ally even though it does not formally recognize the island. 'We want to strengthen U.S. Taiwan cooperation in national security, tech, and multiple areas,' he said Friday. The U.S. is Taiwan's most important export market and strategic ally, Lai said in an earlier statement Friday morning. Cambodia prime minister thanks Trump for dropping tariff rate Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his thanks to Trump for the dropping of tariffs from 36% to 19% and he called the reduction 'good news' for Cambodia. Posted on his social media platform, Hun Manet said Trump had not only helped broker a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand forces after nearly a weeklong clash but also helped Cambodia's economy by lowering tariffs. 'This is good news for the people and economy of Cambodia to continue developing the country,' Hun Manet said. Thailand successfully negotiates lower tariff rates Thailand's government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub said Thailand says the U.S. agreed to reduce the tariffs rate from 36% to 19%, a rate similar to those imposed on many other Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines. 'It's one of the major successes of Team Thailand in a win-win approach, to secure the country's export base and economic security in a long run,' he said in a statement. He didn't immediately say what was the latest offer Thailand made to the U.S. The agreement came days after a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia to halt the nearly weeklong clashes that killed at least 41 people. It was brokered with U.S. pressure as Trump said he would not move forward with trade agreements if the conflict continued. The Associated Press
