World News

Canada seeks closer European Union ties during European trip amid US trade friction

Prime Minister Mark Carney is pursuing a unique partnership to reduce dependence on Washington.

Updated Sep 15, 2026 · 20:56 UTC3 reports

Latest update: The United States imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian goods after bilateral trade negotiations collapsed last month.

The short version

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney travels to Europe to strengthen economic and security ties with the EU amid an ongoing trade conflict with the US.[ABC News]
The trip follows the collapse of US-Canada trade negotiations and subsequent 50% tariffs imposed by Washington on roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods.[PBS NewsHour]
Ottawa aims to reduce its reliance on the US market, which currently absorbs around 70% of all Canadian exports.[ABC News]
Carney will attend the European Commission's State of the Union address and speak before the European Parliament.[ABC News]

Roughly 70% of Canadian exports are shipped to the United States.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
Bilateral trade between Canada and the EU reached approximately 127 billion euros ($147 billion) in 2025.[ABC News]
US-Canada bilateral trade talks broke down last month, resulting in 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion in Canadian imports.[Al Jazeera · PBS NewsHour]
Canada joined the EU's 150-billion-euro ($173-billion) SAFE defense program this year.[ABC News]

The specific terms and conditions of any proposed unique alliance or agreement between Canada and the EU remain to be negotiated.[Al Jazeera]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.