PM Mark Carney to meet President Trump at the White House to discuss a new trade deal amid rising tensions over U.S. auto tariffs and Canada’s pushback.
In a move that could redefine the Canada-U.S. economic relationship, Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit the White House within the next week to discuss trade matters with President Donald Trump. This development follows a recent phone call between the two leaders, during which Carney expressed interest in negotiating a new trade deal.
“He called me up yesterday — he said, ‘Let’s make a deal,'” President Trump told reporters after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The upcoming meeting comes at a time of heightened trade tensions between the two nations. In March, the Trump administration announced a 25% tariff on automobiles and automotive components, a move that drew criticism from U.S. allies and raised concerns about a potential global trade conflict.
In response, Prime Minister Carney stated, “The era of close economic integration and security cooperation with the United States has ended.” He emphasized Canada’s strategy to combat these tariffs by safeguarding domestic industries and implementing retaliatory trade measures designed to minimize domestic fallout.
Despite these tensions, both leaders have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue. President Trump described his conversation with Carney as “very nice” and indicated optimism about future relations.
Trade experts suggest that the upcoming meeting could serve as an opportunity for both countries to address their differences and work towards a more stable economic partnership. However, they caution that any negotiations will require careful planning and a clear strategy, given the complexities of the current trade landscape.
As the date of the meeting approaches, stakeholders on both sides of the border will be watching closely, hopeful that this dialogue will lead to a resolution of ongoing trade disputes and a strengthening of bilateral ties.
