Canada ‘Open’ to Matching US Tariffs on China, Says Foreign Affairs Minister

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly noted that Canada already has tariffs on some components coming from China, as well as on electric vehicles.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly walk towards the Treaty Room at the State Department, on Jan. 29, 2025. The Canadian Press/AP, Manuel Balce Ceneta

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly told reporters in Vancouver on Feb. 28 that Canada is “open” to talks about matching U.S. tariffs on China.

She noted that Canada already has tariffs on some components coming from China, as well as on electric vehicles.

”When it comes to the U.S. and their own concerns, we’re able to have conversations,” she said. “We are very open to have trade-related conversations, including when it comes to China.”

Joly said she could have that conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Finance Minister Dominique LeBlanc could talk to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about it.

President Donald Trump recently announced a 10 percent levy on Chinese goods going into the United States. That is on top of a 10 percent tariff on China imposed on Feb. 4, which was also in addition to previously imposed tariffs.

The latest 10 percent tariff adder will go into effect on March 4, the same day that 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico are scheduled to go into effect, according to Trump.

During interview on Bloomberg Television on Feb. 28, Bessent urged Canada to match U.S. tariffs on China, something Mexico has already proposed.

“I do think one very interesting proposal that the Mexican government has made is perhaps matching the U.S. on our China tariffs,” Bessent said.

“I think it would be a nice gesture if the Canadians did it also, so in a way we could have ‘Fortress North America’ from the flood of Chinese imports.”

Bloomberg reported that the tariffs could focus on cars and auto parts coming out of China.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have also asked that the focus of the U.S. tariffs be on China, rather than American ally Canada.

Meanwhile, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty was in Washington this week to discuss Canada’s efforts to secure the border against illegal drugs. He was joined by fentanyl czar Kevin Brosseau, as well as representatives from the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

The group met with senators and senior white house officials during the trip, which wrapped up on Feb. 28.

Trump said that he will go ahead with imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico next week. The tariffs on Canada were initially expected to be in place on Feb. 3, but Trump gave a 30-day pause after a call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and getting promises for further actions to boost border security.

Canada has announced a $1.3 billion border security plan, and has also assigned a “fentanyl czar” and listed Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations a per Trump’s request.

The CBSA has also been announcing crackdowns on illegal drugs, including “Operation Blizzard” which is a partnership with the RCMP to reduce the flow of opioids.

However, Trump said on Feb. 27 that drugs are still “pouring into” the United States from Canada and Mexico.

Matthew Horwood contributed to this article.