Trump halts trade talks with Canada over scandalous advertisement: details of the dispute
On Thursday, October 23, U.S.
President Donald Trump unexpectedly announced the suspension of trade negotiations with Canada.
The reason cited was the dissemination of what he described as a ‘fraudulent’ advertisement, which contained distorted statements by former U.S.
President Ronald Reagan regarding tariffs.
This decision marks another step in the ongoing trade disputes between the two countries, which have included tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and cars introduced earlier this year.
After weeks of negotiations over a possible agreement, Trump announced the termination via his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that ‘all trade negotiations with Canada are now concluded.’ Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford claimed that the advertisement from his province attracted Trump’s attention.
The ad, which faced criticism from Canadian authorities, featured Reagan criticizing tariffs, claiming they harm jobs and cause trade wars.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation issued a statement affirming that the ad used selective audio and video material and distorted Reagan’s 1987 speech.
Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau stated that Canada would not allow the U.S.
unfair access to its markets if negotiations on various trade agreements with Washington fail.
Next year, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are set to review their free trade agreement.
Amid these developments, the U.S.
has considered multiple sanctions options against Russia, while Canada remains firm in defending its interests in trade conflicts.
Despite close economic ties, Trump repeatedly emphasized that the United States relies less on Canadian imports, as it is more focused on its domestic market.
In the summer, he announced a 35% tariff on almost all Canadian goods, although products covered by the 2020 USMCA (US-Mexico-Canada Agreement) remain exempt.
Trump has used tariffs as a tool of influence on various countries, and his trade war has resulted in the highest tariff levels since the 1930s, with the U.S.
administration threatening further increases, raising concerns among businesses and economists worldwide.