Kathmandu— Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has criticized the United States for its flippant approach to the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the US. On Tuesday, Carney told reporters in Ottawa that talks can only proceed once Washington takes a more serious stance on the issues at hand. The latest round of tariffs was imposed by both countries after negotiations fell through on August 22.

Trade Tensions Escalate

The trade war between Canada and the US has escalated, with the US imposing a series of tariffs on Canadian products since Trump's return to office in 2025. In retaliation, Canada has pledged to impose tariffs on $20 billion worth of US goods starting September 8. Carney blamed last-minute US demands for the impasse, accusing the Trump administration of seeking to limit Canada’s ability to strike trade deals with other countries and requesting changes to laws protecting French language and culture.

Symbolic Actions and Nationalism

The dispute has also prompted symbolic actions from both sides. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” while Canadian nationalism surged, with a June poll showing national pride reaching 77 percent this year. Carney faces pressure not to yield to US demands and has vowed to stand up for Canada’s sovereignty.

US Officials Criticize Canada

US officials have also criticized Canada's handling of the dispute. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that Canada’s economy is ill-equipped to handle a trade war with the US and blamed Carney for escalating tensions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mocked Canadian armed forces on social media, posting an image of two female cadets alongside a “woke” critique.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.