Canada’s Carney hails ‘good conversation’ on trade with Trump

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed satisfaction with a recent conversation with US President Donald Trump regarding the strained trade ties between the two nations. Carney shared on social media that the talks built upon earlier constructive discussions aimed at reaching a mutually beneficial trade agreement. Under Trump's second term, the US has imposed tariffs on various countries, including Canada, one of the nation's largest trading partners.

These tariffs have had a significant impact, affecting approximately USD 20 billion worth of goods. Canada retaliated with similar levies on American products, leading to a back-and-forth in tariffs. Despite Trump's expectation of a new trade deal with Canada, no specifics were provided. The President mentioned that the deal would benefit US farmers and be favorable for Canada as well, potentially including the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a project opposed by environmental activists during the previous administration.

The trade tensions have prompted Canada to deepen its relationships with other allies, including a recent alliance between the European Union and Canada that designates Ottawa as the bloc's first associate member.