US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have held their first official call amid escalating trade tensions, with both leaders describing the conversation as productive.
The call comes as the US prepares to impose a 25% tariff on vehicle imports from Canada starting April 2, a move that could severely impact the Canadian auto industry and its 500,000 workers.
Trump described the discussion as “extremely productive,” while Carney called it “very constructive.” The two leaders agreed to meet immediately after Canada’s April 28 elections to discuss trade, security, and other bilateral issues. Meanwhile, discussions between Canadian and US trade officials will intensify in an effort to manage immediate concerns.
Carney, currently leading the Liberal Party’s election campaign, reaffirmed his commitment to imposing retaliatory tariffs to protect Canadian workers. He stressed that the US was “no longer a reliable trading partner” and declared that the previous economic relationship between the two nations “is over.” His government has already imposed C$60 billion in counter-tariffs on US goods in response to previous US levies on Canadian aluminium and steel.
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Trump, who has often clashed with Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, struck a noticeably different tone after the call. “I’ve always loved Canada,” he said, though he reiterated his plans to proceed with auto tariffs. The president also raised eyebrows by repeating past suggestions that Canada should become the 51st US state, an idea widely rejected by Canadians.
The tariff dispute has become a major issue in Canada’s upcoming election. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberals for their handling of trade relations, calling the tariffs “chaotic” and accusing Carney of conceding to US demands. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet warned that Carney’s willingness to negotiate could mean Canada is yielding to American pressure, while NDP leader Jagmeet Singh condemned the tariffs as a “betrayal.”
As the April 2 deadline approaches, tensions remain high. Trump has threatened even harsher tariffs if Canada aligns with the European Union against US trade policies. While both leaders expressed hope for a resolution, neither showed signs of backing down, leaving businesses and workers bracing for economic fallout.
Reported by BBC
