President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada engaged in discussions on Friday regarding the impending 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. In his statement, Trump affectionately referred to the leader as “Prime Minister” without the previous “governor” title used for former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The call between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was described as highly productive, with plans to convene immediately following Canada’s upcoming election to address various political and business matters that will benefit both countries. Trump expressed gratitude for the attention given to the issue.
In the past, Trump had clashed with Trudeau, suggesting that Canada should become the 51st state of the US. However, with Carney taking over as Prime Minister recently, a new chapter in US-Canada relations is unfolding. Trump’s recent announcement of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico has been delayed for most Canadian and Mexican goods until April 2.
Carney, a member of Trudeau’s Liberal Party and a former chairman of Bloomberg Inc., is preparing for new elections on April 28. Trump’s renegotiation of the NAFTA trade agreement, now known as the USMCA, during his first term, aimed to address American manufacturing outsourcing issues.
The second-term tariff threats against Canada and Mexico initially focused on fentanyl smuggling and illegal immigration but have expanded to address broader trade imbalances. Trump has also raised concerns about Canada’s protectionist banking and agricultural policies, as well as the importation of Canadian lumber and energy products.
