OTTAWA, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Canada will continue the trade talks with the United States towards the revised deadline of Aug. 1, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday.

Carney said on his social media that throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended the workers and businesses.

"We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1," he said.

Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America, he said, affirming Canada's commitment to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both countries.

"We are building Canada strong. The federal government, provinces and territories are making significant progress in building one Canadian economy," said Carney, adding that Canada is to strengthen its trading partnerships throughout the world.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced earlier Thursday a 35 percent tariff on imports from Canada starting Aug. 1.

Trump posted a letter addressed to Carney on his social media platform Truth Social, criticizing Canada for retaliating against previous U.S. tariffs.

He pointed out that the new tariff is in part caused by the flow of fentanyl from Canada, as well as allegedly unfair trade practices, and that he would "consider an adjustment" to the tariffs if Canada cooperated with the United States to stop the flow of fentanyl.

The Trump administration had previously imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods, but later exempted products covered under the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade deal. ■