PM: Canada to double non-U.S. exports over next decade

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Wednesday that his government will double the country's exports to non-U.S. markets over the next decade to reduce its economic reliance on the United States.

In a speech outlining his government's priorities for the next month's federal budget, Carney said the nature of the trade relationship with the United States is changing, prompting the new export the goal.

The government is preparing to "build a stronger economy" against the backdrop of "a more dynamic, a more competitive, a more hostile world," Carney said.

"If we don't act now, the pressures will only grow," said Carney. "We won't transform our economy easily or in a few months. It will take some sacrifices and it will take some time."

Since early this year, Canada and the United States have clashed repeatedly over tariffs. In March, Carney said the traditional relationship between the two countries, built on deepening economic integration, was "over" and that Canada must fundamentally reshape its economy.

In September, the Carney government announced a massive infrastructure plan covering energy, mining and port expansion, aimed at boosting the domestic economy and reducing dependence on the United States.

The United States is currently Canada's most important trading partner, accounting for about three quarters of Canada's merchandise exports.

(With input from Xinhua)