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Auto Sector Pushes Back as Carney’s China Tariff Deal Raises Competitiveness Fears

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new tariff‑quota agreement with China is triggering strong pushback from Canada’s auto industry, which warns the deal could weaken the sector’s competitive footing at a critical moment. The agreement allows nearly 50,000 Chinese‑made electric vehicles to enter Canada each year at a sharply reduced tariff rate, far below the steep duties currently in place. Agricultural groups have welcomed the deal, noting that it restores access to China’s massive market for key Canadian exports such as canola and seafood. But auto‑sector leaders argue the benefits come at a steep cost. They fear the influx of low‑priced Chinese EVs could undercut domestic manufacturers, discourage future investment, and strain Canada’s relationship with the United States — a country taking a much harder line against Chinese electric vehicles. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and several industry associations have voiced concern that the agreement risks destabilizing the integrated North Ameri...
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NATO Commits to Historic Defence Spending Hike Amid Trump’s Reassurances

At the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, member nations agreed to a sweeping increase in defence spending, endorsing a new target of 5% of GDP—a dramatic leap from the previous 2% benchmark. The move comes amid growing security concerns in Europe and persistent pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has long criticized allies for underinvesting in collective defence.

Trump struck a notably reassuring tone at the summit, affirming the United States’ commitment to NATO’s mutual defence clause, Article 5. “We’re with them all the way,” he said, addressing concerns sparked by his earlier remarks suggesting there were “numerous definitions” of the clause.

The new spending framework divides the 5% target into 3.5% for core defence—such as troops and weapons—and 1.5% for broader security measures like cyber defence and infrastructure upgrades. While all NATO members backed the statement, Spain voiced reservations about meeting the full target, prompting a diplomatic compromise to maintain unity.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the urgency of the shift, citing threats from Russia and global instability. “There is absolute conviction… that, given this threat from the Russians, given the international security situation, there is no alternative,” he stated.

The summit also saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet separately with Trump, underscoring NATO’s continued support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

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