The US president says he and the Canadian Prime Minister “agree with a lot,” and will meet after the Canadian election next month.
President Donald Trump says he made a “very productive call” with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney amid a surge in tensions and an escalating trade war between the US and its north neighbours.
In a social media post explaining the call on Friday, the US president sounded like he had made a settlement towards Canada. In particular, Trump mentioned Canadian leaders as prime minister with the correct title a few months after being called Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, “Governor.”
“I’ve just finished talking with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney,” Trump wrote.
“It was a very productive call, and we will agree to a lot and meet right after the upcoming elections to tackle the elements of Canada’s politics, business and all other elements.
The statement lacked details, but marked a change in tone from Trump’s threat and hostile rhetoric towards Canada.
Friday’s talks were the first talk between the two leaders since Carney took over Trudeau two weeks ago.
The call came less than 24 hours after Carney forced Trump to rebel for increasing tariffs on Canadian goods. The US president had announced a 25% tax on foreign cars since Wednesday.
Kearney’s office also described Friday’s call as “a very constructive conversation.”
“Leaders have agreed to launch comprehensive negotiations on new economic and security relations right after the election,” he said.
However, an Ottawa statement said Carney told Trump that his government will “impose retaliatory tariffs to protect Canadian workers and the economy following the announcement of additional US trade measures on April 2.”
A day ago, Carney said he refused “an attempt to weaken Canada, tire us, and destroy us so that America can own us.”
He also suggested that US-Canadian ties had undergone a dramatic transformation for Trump.
“Based on the consolidation of our economy, strict security and military cooperation, our old relationship with the United States has ended,” the Canadian Prime Minister told reporters Thursday.
Canada is scheduled to hold a general election on April 28th. Carney’s liberals have surged in polls over the past few weeks due to Trudeau’s resignation and a change in leadership following the conflict with the US.
After taking office, Carney visited England and France. He has not yet gone to the US – traditionally Ottawa’s closest allies and trading partners.
On Thursday, he highlighted the need for Canada to “pivot” its trade ties from the US.
Earlier this week, Trump warned Ottawa and the European Union against the team’s cooperation with Washington, threatening “a much larger” tariffs on both.
Later on Friday, Trump expressed his willingness to attack transactions with the country to reduce tariffs on imports.
“I’m certainly open to that. If we can do something, we can get something for it,” he said.
Trump also said he would announce tariffs on drugs in the coming days without specifying a percentage.
“It would be enough for drugs and pharmaceutical companies to bring their products to our country,” he said.
Last year, US Heath officials began to ease the import of certain prescription drugs from Canada, where drugs are cheaper, in order to lower prices for American patients.
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