Trump Backs Friendly Dialogue with Canadian Prime Minister Despite Trade Tensions
Former U.S.
President Donald Trump announced that he recently had a very positive and constructive conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite recent escalation of trade conflicts between the two nations.
According to Trump, this dialogue marked an important step toward restoring diplomatic and economic relations, which had previously appeared tense.
He made this statement during his flight home from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum held in South Korea on October 30, aboard Air Force One.
At the same time, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump sat together at the forum’s dinner, further emphasizing the ongoing search for diplomatic solutions amid tension.
Trump highlighted that his meeting with Carney was very pleasant and productive, allowing discussions on numerous key issues, including trade relations.
He noted that Carney expressed willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and resume negotiations in the future, although at present negotiations remain stalled over tariff disputes.
Trump was especially angered by a broadcast in Ontario featuring a Reagan speech used to criticize tariff policies, which he claimed was an attempt by Canada to influence U.S.
court decisions, including the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on tariff legality.
Meanwhile, Carney stated that Canada is ready to reinstate trade talks with the U.S.
when the time is right, although Trump currently announced the suspension of further negotiations.
Additionally, Trump threatened to increase tariffs on Canadian goods by another 10%, further worsening the already tense trade situation.
Canada is one of the U.S.’s major trading partners, with deeply intertwined economies, but Trump has repeatedly claimed that the U.S.
does not need Canadian products, asserting that in economic terms, Ottawa is more dependent on America.
In summer, Trump imposed a 35% tariff on most Canadian imports, exempting products covered by the 2020 USMCA trade agreement.
Tariffs have become a key tool in U.S.
trade policy under Trump, but their rise has caused concern among businesses and economists due to potential negative impacts on the global economy and U.S.
internal markets.