The Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) are applauding the Canadian government’s decision to remove counter tariffs on goods from the United States that fall under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement (CUSMA).
On Aug. 22, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada will withdraw most retaliatory tariffs on the United States except for auto, steel and aluminum.
The intent of the move is to reduce the economic hardship suffered by Canadian businesses and consumers.
The changes come into effect Sept. 1.
“I am announcing today that the Canadian government will now match the United States by removing all of Canada’s tariffs on U.S. goods specifically covered under CUSMA,” Carney said during the announcement.
During a conversation between the PM and United States President Donald Trump, Carney said he was assured that removing the counter tariffs would “intensify” trade talk between the two countries.
AED’s President and CEO Brian McGuire praised the move by the Prime Minister Carney.
“AED would like to thank Prime Minister Carney for listening to our industry and ensuring that retaliatory tariffs don’t further damage the Canadian economy amid the ongoing trade disruption,” McGuire said. “AED encourages the U.S. government to accept Canada’s gesture of goodwill and return to a free trading environment between the two countries.”
AED has led a campaign on both sides of the border to call for a return to a free trade and fair-trade regime, particularly in the North American context.
AED has consistently delivered the message to Finance Canada and the Prime Minister’s Office that retaliatory tariffs hurt Canadian AED dealers, and our customers. Retaliatory tariffs, also impede Canada’s ability to build dynamic trade corridors and trade infrastructure which are needed to compete in the global economy.
