In a move that signals the beginning of breaking the ice between the two neighbors, America cancels tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports.
DPA: The United States agreed to cancel all tariffs imposed last year on imports of steel and aluminum from Canada, these procedures will entry into force in two days, in a move that indicates the melting of the ice in the relations between the two neighbors, especially that Canada has confirmed that it will lift all retaliatory measures on the United States of America.
The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that tariffs were a major obstacle to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), expressing optimism that the agreement, which also includes Mexico, is now moving forward.
"These tariffs have affected workers and consumers on both sides of the borders, and they have been illogical," Trudeau said.
While the Canadian government has confirmed that it will lift all "retaliatory" measures against the United States, US President Donald Trump said: "I am pleased to announce that we have just reached an agreement with Canada and Mexico, and we will sell our products to these countries without imposing large customs duties."
Trump spoke with Trudeau over the telephone before Friday's announcement on metals. The United States had imposed tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from Canada and Mexico under the heading of "protecting national security," which angered its northern neighbor and historic ally.
A statement by the Canadian government said that the two countries would take steps to prevent dumping and import of aluminum and steel, which are unfairly supported. The United States will retain the right to re-impose customs duties if there is an increase in imports exceeding historical rates.
The United States, Mexico, and Canada are the NAFTA free trade bloc, where the terms of the alliance were re-negotiated under Donald Trump, although the agreement is still awaiting congressional approval.
