Trump Rejects Meeting with Canadian PM, Escalates Tariff Dispute

US President Donald Trump said he will not meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The announcement came amid rising trade tensions. Trump made the comments aboard Air Force One on Monday.

The dispute was triggered by a television advertisement from Ontario. The ad criticized Trump’s tariff policies. This has led the US President to threaten further tariff increases on Canadian goods.

Details of the Trade Confrontation

Trump confirmed he has no plans to meet Carney at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. “I don’t want to meet with him,” Trump stated. He added he was “very happy with the deal we have right now with Canada.”

According to Reuters, Trump is imposing a 10% tariff increase over the Ontario ad. The commercial featured clips of Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. It aired during US broadcasts of the World Series.

Broader Economic Impact and Reactions

The new tariffs complicate the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Canada currently faces a US base tariff of 35%. Most goods are exempt under the trade deal.

Canadian steel and aluminum already face 50% US tariffs. Auto imports are partially subject to 25% duties. The additional tariffs could strain the North American supply chain.

Prime Minister Carney offered a muted response from Malaysia. He said Canada stands ready to resume trade talks. The situation remains fluid as both nations assess next steps.

The escalating trade dispute highlights ongoing friction in US-Canada relations. The new Trump tariffs Canada is facing could have significant economic consequences for both nations in the coming months.

Info at your fingertips

What sparked the latest US-Canada trade tension?

A TV ad from Ontario criticizing tariffs angered President Trump. The ad used clips of Ronald Reagan. Trump responded by threatening new tariffs.

What is the current US tariff rate on Canadian goods?

The base tariff rate is 35 percent. Most Canadian goods are exempt under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Specific sectors like steel face higher rates.

How has Canada responded to the new tariff threats?

Prime Minister Mark Carney has taken a measured approach. He stated Canada is ready to resume negotiations. The response aims to de-escalate tensions.

Which Canadian industries are most affected by US tariffs?

Steel and aluminum face 50 percent tariffs. Automotive imports are partially subject to 25 percent duties. These sectors could see further pressure.

Will Trump and Carney meet at the upcoming APEC summit?

President Trump explicitly said he will not meet with Carney. He stated he is happy with the current arrangement. The relationship appears strained.