CNN
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President Donald Trump, in his first Oval Workplace assembly with new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, mentioned there was nothing Carney might say to him Tuesday that will persuade the president to cut back tariffs on Canadian items.
“No,” Trump mentioned. “Simply the best way it’s.”
Trump complained that Canada has handled america unfairly. In a Fact Social submit earlier than he met with Carney, the president repeated a few of his earlier grievances in regards to the nation.
“Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion {Dollars} a 12 months, along with giving them FREE Army Safety, and lots of different issues?” Trump posted, citing a baseless declare. “We don’t want their Automobiles, we don’t want their Vitality, we don’t want their Lumber, we don’t want ANYTHING they’ve, aside from their friendship.”
Trump’s “$200 billion” declare just isn’t even near true. Official US statistics present the 2024 deficit with Canada in items and providers commerce was $35.7 billion.
In the meantime, Canada was the highest purchaser of American items final 12 months.
Carney acknowledged that saying Canada is “the biggest consumer of america,” so it could profit america to revive free commerce with its northern neighbor. However he agreed with Trump {that a} commerce deal possible wouldn’t be introduced Tuesday on account of their discussions.
Although america imports extra from Canada than it exports, the 2 international locations have discovered mutual advantages from buying and selling with each other – specifically, sourcing uncooked supplies and produce that aren’t native to each international locations.
Against this, Trump’s tariffs on Canada are poised to harm each international locations. At the moment, most Canadian items exported to the US are topic to a 25% tariff in the event that they aren’t compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Settlement, a commerce deal Trump inked throughout his first time period. There are additionally 25% tariffs in place on metal, aluminum, automobiles and auto elements.
Canada, in the meantime, is taxing roughly $43 billion price of US items, together with whiskey, sporting gear and family home equipment.
Regardless of Trump saying it could be “a lot better for Canada” to grow to be an American state, Carney instructed Trump, “Canada just isn’t on the market.” The prime minister mentioned that was not up for negotiation — however urged the president to work with him on negotiating decrease tariffs.
“Respectfully, Canadians’ view on this isn’t going to vary on the 51st state,” Carney mentioned. “Is there one factor (I can say)? No, this can be a greater dialogue. There are a lot greater forces concerned, and this can take a while and a few discussions, and that’s why we’re right here — to have these discussions.”
Trump acknowledged {that a} deal to convey Canada below america’ fold wouldn’t occur Tuesday.
“This isn’t essentially a one-day deal,” Trump mentioned. “That is over a time period they need to make that call.”
However Trump had mentioned earlier within the Oval Workplace assembly that he was open to a negotiation with Canada that would end in a commerce deal.
“One thing might occur,” Trump mentioned. “One thing might occur. Yeah.”
This story has been up to date with extra developments and context.
