U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is pushing back against Canadian leaders who have described the escalating tariff dispute with the United States as a trade war, calling that characterization “unhinged.”
In an interview with the Financial Times, Greer said the Trump administration does not view its tariff policy toward Canada as a war, but rather as an economic and business measure.
Greer specifically criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney’s use of the term “war,” arguing that Washington sees tariffs simply as additional charges on foreign-made goods.
He also sought to minimize the broader economic impact of the latest U.S. tariffs, saying the 50 per cent duties introduced in August affect only about five per cent of Canadian exports to the United States.
Greer said Canadian officials have exaggerated the dispute by describing the measures as an economic attack.
Tensions escalate following Canadian retaliation
Greer’s comments were made before Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect on Tuesday.
The United States responded quickly, announcing plans to prohibit imports of several Canadian products beginning Sept. 29, including alcohol, motorcycles and certain food items.
The Trump administration also announced changes to the list of Canadian goods subject to the new 50 per cent tariff and said some Canadian companies would be excluded from a U.S. government procurement program.
Greer said in the interview that he had already presented President Donald Trump with several possible responses to Canada’s retaliation and suggested the president could act on those options.
Trump announced the new measures Tuesday evening.
Greer calls U.S. action a ‘natural consequence’
In a statement issued after the announcement, Greer described the new U.S. measures as a “natural consequence” of Canada’s retaliatory approach.
He accused Canada of continuing what Washington views as discriminatory treatment of important American exports, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products and vehicles.
Greer said Canada had chosen to retaliate against the United States rather than accept the administration’s tariff measures.
Other Trump officials reject ‘trade war’ label
Greer is not the first senior Trump administration official to reject suggestions that the two countries are engaged in a trade war.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made similar comments in late August, dismissing the idea that Washington was “at war” with Canada and questioning Canada’s ability to retaliate effectively.
The comments drew criticism from several Canadian political leaders.
The latest exchange underscores the widening divide between Ottawa and Washington over how the escalating trade confrontation is being characterized, even as both countries continue imposing new tariffs and restrictions on each other’s goods.
