TMTPOST -- The Canadian government will kick off its retaliatory tariffs as the U.S. President Donald Trump seems to stick to the new auto tariff and metal tariffs on Canada in his first phone call with new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
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Credit：China Central Television
While characterizing the call with Trump as “cordial”, Carney at a news conference on Friday pointed out Trump didn’t implied any pullback on the U.S. auto, steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada. That underlines the importance of more intensive discussions between Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, International Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and his American counterpart, said the prime minister.
For Carney, the call earlier Friday was "very productive and very constructive," but that it was only the “start of negotiations" . “We will see what the United States will do on April 2…. It is still the case that there are tariffs on a number of other Canadian goods," he said. Trump has described April 2 as "Liberation Day" as he touts the new reciprocal tariffs on a wide range of imported goods that his administration plans to unveil on that day.
Carney and Trump had “a very constructive” conversation about the relationship between Canada and U.S., and agreed to begin comprehensive negotiations about a new economic and security relationship immediately following the Canadian federal election, which will be held on April 28, according to a statement of the Canadian prime minister's office.
During the phone call, Carney informed Trump that his government will implement retaliatory tariffs to protect Canadian workers and its economy, following the announcement of additional U.S. trade actions on April 2, per the statement.
Nevertheless, heads of two countries turned into a hopeful tone following their phone call. In a post on his social media Truth Social, Trump described the call as "extremely productive" and called Carney “Prime Minister”, instead of the “governor” title that he had mocked the previous prime minister Justin Trudeau when he kept belittling as Canada the future 51st U.S. state.
“We agree on many things, and will be meeting immediately after Canada’s upcoming Election to work on elements of Politics, Business, and all other factors, that will end up being great for both the United States of America and Canada,” said Trump in the post.
Speaking to reporter on Air Force One Friday, Trump said: ”I’ve always loved Canada and we had a very good conversation.” He suggested Canada was not among nations he believed have treated the U.S. unfairly in trade. “Many countries have taken advantage of us,” but not Canada, said Trump, adding “I think things will work out very well between Canada and the United States.”
Trump signaled he is open to deals that would lead to tariff cuts on U.S., though any deals have to be made after reciprocal tariffs take effect. “Well it’s possible if we can get something for the deal – but, you know, we’ve been taken advantage of for 40 years, maybe more, it’s just not going to happen anymore. But yeah, I’m certainly open to it,” Trump said.
Carney told reporters on Friday that Trump respected Canadian sovereignty that day, “both in his public and private comments.” When asked about whether he believes there was a strategy behind Trump’s more respectful tone toward Canada, Carney said there is always a strategy in a negotiation, and he’s been clearly about Canadian priorities to build out trading options. He said his goal is to get Trump agree to further talks.
Carney stressed his government must fundamentally reimagine Canadian economy, and must ensure Canada can succeed in a drastically different world. “ The old relationship we had with the United States based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation is over," he reiterated his statement Thursday.
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