U.S. President Donald Trump and Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney have held high-level talks aimed at de-escalating tensions over impending U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports. The discussions, which took place via a phone call, sought to address concerns over the economic impact of new trade policies that could disrupt commerce between the two neighboring nations.
The tension stems from President Trump’s recent decision to impose additional tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, citing national security concerns and the need to protect American industries. Canada has strongly opposed the move, with Prime Minister Carney warning that Ottawa is prepared to respond with countermeasures should the tariffs go into effect.
Following their discussion, Trump described the conversation as "very productive," stating that both leaders agreed to explore diplomatic solutions before resorting to trade penalties. "We have a great relationship with Canada, and we want to ensure that both our economies continue to grow," Trump told reporters at the White House.
Carney, meanwhile, acknowledged that while the discussions were constructive, Canada would not hesitate to defend its economic interests. "We are open to finding common ground, but let me be clear: Canada will not accept unfair trade policies that hurt our industries and workers," he stated in a press briefing.
Experts believe that if no resolution is reached, Canada could impose retaliatory tariffs on key U.S. exports, including agricultural products and consumer goods. The escalating trade tensions come at a time when both countries are also negotiating updates to their trade agreements in light of shifting global economic dynamics.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, trade analysts warn that prolonged uncertainty could harm both economies, potentially leading to job losses and supply chain disruptions. As negotiations continue, businesses in both countries are closely monitoring developments, hoping for a resolution that maintains stable trade relations between the two North American allies.