President Donald Trump vowed Tuesday to treat Canada fairly in negotiations over U.S. tariffs on its products, but appeared less committed to a continental trade deal that also includes Mexico.
“I think they’re going to come away very happy,” Trump said, referring to Canada, in remarks in the Oval Office before a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss trade. “We’re going to treat people fairly. We’re especially going to treat Canada fairly.”
Carney, making his second visit to the White House in five months, is under increasing pressure to address U.S. tariffs on steel, cars and other goods that are hurting Canada’s economy.
Carney initially responded to the tariffs by pushing for a separate trade and security agreement with the United States, but as talks showed problems, he shifted his attention to a review of the USMCA free trade agreement planned for next year.
“We can renegotiate it, and that would be good, or we could make different deals,” Trump said. “We could make deals that are better for each of the countries.”
More context: Trump leaves the door open to replace the USMCA with bilateral agreements
When asked about his preference, he responded: “I don’t care. I want to do what is the best agreement for this country, and also keeping Canada in mind.”
Canada sends 75% of all its exports to the United States and is particularly vulnerable to trade measures by its southern neighbor.
“There are areas where we compete, and it’s in those areas where we have to come to an agreement that works. But there are more areas where we are stronger together, and that’s what we’re focused on,” Carney said.
A Canadian government official and several analysts downplayed the chances of an imminent trade deal with Trump and said the fact that talks are continuing should be considered a success for Carney.
With information from Reuters.
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