Carney rejects US demand for 'entry fee' before trade talks
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Wednesday that the United States does not dictate the terms of upcoming trade negotiations, following reports that the Trump administration is demanding concessions before agreeing to revise the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). According to Canada's public broadcaster CBC, Trump's team wants an 'entry fee' from Canada as a precondition for talks. Jean Charest, a former Quebec premier and member of Carney's advisory council on US trade, confirmed to Radio-Canada that Washington is seeking concessions before negotiations begin. When asked in Ottawa whether Canada would concede, Carney replied 'no'. The USMCA, which Trump signed and praised during his first term, is now dismissed by him as 'irrelevant'.
Key facts
- Canadian PM Mark Carney stated the US does not dictate terms of trade talks.
- Trump's team reportedly demands an 'entry fee' or concessions from Canada before talks.
- CBC reported the demand, citing multiple Canadian sources.
- Jean Charest confirmed the demand on Radio-Canada.
- Carney rejected the demand in Ottawa.
- Talks aim to revise the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
- Trump previously praised USMCA but now calls it 'irrelevant'.
- Carney and Trump met in the Oval Office in October 2025.
Entities
Institutions
- CBC
- Radio-Canada
- United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
Locations
- Canada
- United States
- Washington
- Ottawa
- Mexico