US Commerce Secretary Says Ottawa Courting China Could Cost Canada in USMCA Negotiations U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has cautioned Canada that deepening ties with China and increasing market access for Chinese products could jeopardize upcoming USMCA renegotiations. This warning follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech at the WEF, where he discussed global “rupture” and “coercion” by “great powers” using economic tools. Carney highlighted Canada’s formation of “new strategic partnerships,” specifically mentioning China, and an agreement to reduce Canadian tariffs on Chinese EVs in exchange for reciprocal tariff cuts from China.

• U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warns Canada against closer ties with China.
• Lutnick stated these ties could jeopardize USMCA renegotiations.
• The warning comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech at the WEF.
• Carney spoke of a global “rupture” and “coercion” by “great powers.”
• Carney mentioned Canada forming “new strategic partnerships,” including with China.
• Canada agreed to slash tariffs on Chinese EVs in exchange for China cutting tariffs on Canadian products.