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Trump and Carney Discuss Trade amid Rising Tensions
US President Donald Trump described his recent conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as “extremely productive,” occurring during a time of heightened trade tensions between the neighboring countries.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump expressed his eagerness to meet with Carney immediately following Canada’s elections on April 28 to pursue discussions on matters related to politics, business, and other critical issues.
While engaged in his election campaign, Carney called the call “very constructive” and emphasized Canada’s readiness to implement retaliatory tariffs aimed at safeguarding Canadian jobs and industries.
Upcoming changes in trade policy include Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on vehicle imports set to take effect on April 2, which poses a significant threat to the Canadian automotive sector.
Traditionally, Canadian prime ministers have prioritized establishing communication with their US counterparts shortly after taking office. However, this call marks the first connection between Carney and Trump since Carney assumed his role on March 14.
The Canadian Prime Minister’s Office stated that the two leaders aimed to start comprehensive negotiations regarding a new economic and security partnership promptly after the elections.
In the meantime, their offices agreed that the dialogue would intensify between Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to address immediate trade issues.
Trump’s remarks contrast sharply with his earlier comments regarding Canada and its prior leadership, particularly his notorious jabs at Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, whom he derisively referred to as “Governor Trudeau.”
Beyond imposing tariffs, Trump has controversially suggested that Canada might consider becoming the 51st state of the US, a notion that has drawn significant backlash from the Canadian public.
On Thursday, Carney stated that the US is now perceived as “no longer a reliable trading partner,” indicating a shift in the dynamic between the two nations.
As the leader of the Liberal Party, Carney reiterated his commitment to enact retaliatory tariffs targeting the US with a focus on maximum impact, a stance he communicated directly to Trump during their call.
The Prime Minister affirmed Canada’s plans to impose these tariffs to defend its workforce and economic interests in light of the anticipated US trade actions scheduled for April 2, 2025.
Trump’s proposed auto tariffs could endanger approximately 500,000 jobs within Canada’s automotive industry. Currently, the US has already enacted a broad 25% tariff on several Canadian goods, including a similar duty on aluminum and steel imports, to which Canada has responded with about C$60 billion ($42 billion; £32 billion) in tariffs on US products.
The new vehicle tariffs will commence on April 2, with fees on car imports applicable from the following day, while tariffs on vehicle parts are expected to begin in May or later.
As the general election in Canada approaches, the declining US-Canadian relations are becoming a crucial topic of discussion. Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, characterized the tariffs as “unjustified and unprovoked,” while Jagmeet Singh of the NDP labeled them a “betrayal.”
Additionally, Trump warned against any collaboration between Canada and the European Union in opposition to the anticipated US reciprocal tariffs, promising severe repercussions in the form of “large scale tariffs, far larger than currently planned” if such a partnership were to materialize.
Source
www.bbc.com