Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sharply criticized Canada's trade strategy during remarks at Semafor's World Economy Summit on Friday, using blunt language to express his disapproval of the country's negotiating approach.

Lutnick was responding to suggestions from Canada's former trade chief that the country could benefit from delaying trade negotiations with the United States amid political tensions. "That is the worst strategy I've ever heard," Lutnick told Semafor's Ben Smith during the event.

The Commerce Secretary's comments signal potential changes ahead for North American trade relations. Lutnick indicated that the existing trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada may require significant modifications.

The remarks come as trade relationships between the U.S. and its northern neighbor face scrutiny under the Trump administration. The current trade framework, known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020.

Lutnick's strong language reflects the administration's apparent frustration with what it perceives as Canada's reluctance to engage more actively in trade discussions. The comments suggest upcoming negotiations between the two countries may prove challenging as both sides prepare their positions.