US President Donald Trump says he had a “extremely productive” first call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, against the backdrop of the ongoing trade war between the two neighbors.
In a social post of truth, Trump said that the two would meet “immediately” after the upcoming Canada elections on April 28 to discuss “politics, business and all other factors.”
Carney, currently in the midst of an election campaign, described the call as “very constructive”, adding that he told the president that Canada “would” apply vengeful tariffs to protect Canadian workers. “
The planned 25% Trump tariffs for vehicle imports should come into force on April 2, which may be detrimental to the Canadian automotive industry.
Historically, Canadian leaders prioritize an early conversation with their US colleague shortly after they became Prime Minister.
However, the call between Carney and Trump has been the first since the new Prime Minister took office on March 14.
The Canadian Prime Minister of the Prime Minister said the two leaders agreed to launch comprehensive negotiations on new economic and secure relations immediately after the election.
“Meanwhile, the leaders have agreed that the talks between the Minister of International Trade and the Intergovernmental Affairs and the President of the Royal Council for Secrets for Canada, Dominic Leblan and the United States Commercial Secretary Howard Luni will intensify to deal with immediate problems,” the statement said.
The tone of the US President on Friday was in contrast to his previous remarks about Canada, especially for his frequent blows to Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, whom he mocked as “Governor Trudeau.”
In addition to the imposition of tariffs, Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States, an idea that has caused widespread Canadians.
On Thursday night, Carney said the US “are no longer a reliable trading partner” and that the old Canada relations with the US “have ended.”
Carney, who leads the Liberal Party of Canada, vowed to impose retrofit rates with a “maximum impact” on the United States.
On Friday, he handed the message to Trump once again, according to his cabinet statement.
“The Prime Minister has informed the president that his government will be implemented by igniting tariffs for the protection of Canadian workers and our economy, after announcing additional trade action in the United States on April 2, 2025,” the statement said.
The tariff proposed by US President can influence 500,000 jobs in the Canadian automotive industry.
The United States has already partially imposed a 25% tariff of Canadian goods, along with a 25% duty on all imports of aluminum and steel. So far, Canada has avenge about C $ 60 billion ($ 42 billion; £ 32 billion) tariffs for American goods.
The new car tariffs will come into force on April 2, with fees for enterprises importing vehicles starting the next day, the White House announced. Part taxes should start in May or later.
The deteriorating American-Canadian relations have become a key choice of elections in the general elections of Canada.
Pierre Polyver, the leader of the Conservatives, the main opposition party, called the rates “Unjustified and Unprovoked” while the left -wing leader of the NDR Jagmet Singh referred to them as “betrayal”.
Trump also warned Canada not to work with the European Union against US reciprocal tariffs, which is expected to announce soon.
Any effort to do so, he said, will be welcomed with “large -scale tariffs, far larger than planned at the moment.”