During a recent meeting with Mark Carney, former President Donald Trump discussed the complexities of trade negotiations between the United States and Canada. Trump labeled these negotiations as “complicated” and noted that they are perhaps more intricate than any other trade agreement the U.S. has in place.
Natural Conflict in US-Canada Trade Relations
Trump highlighted what he referred to as a “natural conflict” between the two nations, which he believes stems from their close geographical proximity. He acknowledged both countries maintain strong ties, saying, “I love Canada, and the people of Canada,” expressing a shared sentiment with Carney.
Despite this mutual admiration, Trump indicated that differing business interests create challenges. He stressed that these competing interests have negatively impacted the United States. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism about how far the Canada-US relationship has progressed and emphasized ongoing efforts to address these conflicts.
Tariffs and Compromise
When asked about the possibility of offering concessions on U.S. metal tariffs, Trump conveyed that compromises had already been established. He reiterated a commitment to bolster domestic steel production, stating, “We want to make our own steel,” while also acknowledging the desire for Canada to thrive economically.
Trump concluded by expressing confidence in reaching a satisfactory outcome, saying, “We’re working on formulas, and we’ll get there.”
