U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a more favorable view of Canada during his recent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Although Trump praised the relationship between the two countries and acknowledged Canada’s efforts against fentanyl, it is uncertain if this will lead to any immediate changes in trade tariffs.
Despite Trump’s past criticisms of Canada’s trade practices and calls for the country to become a U.S. state, his tone towards Canada appeared warmer this time. Senior trade adviser Kelly Ann Shaw noted a positive shift in Trump’s demeanor during the meeting with Carney.
Flavio Volpe, the Canadian president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, also noticed a change in Trump’s attitude towards Canada, suggesting a possible elevation of Canada’s status as a competitor.
While discussing the automotive sector, Trump adopted a more moderate tone, emphasizing the mutual interest in the success of both countries in the industry. He hinted at ongoing efforts to reach agreements but emphasized the uncertainty regarding any concrete outcomes.
During the meeting, Trump praised Carney’s leadership, calling him a “world-class leader” and expressing admiration for his negotiating skills. Trump’s compliments were reciprocated by Carney in a light-hearted exchange with reporters.
Personal relationships between world leaders can influence political decisions, and experts believe that Trump values such connections. Shaw highlighted the importance of fostering a positive relationship with Carney for future progress.
The closed-doors portion of the meeting concluded with directives from Trump and Carney to expedite deals focusing on steel, aluminum, and energy, indicating a potential step towards resolving trade issues. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed ongoing talks in Washington with hopes for progress on tariffs.
While the outcomes remain uncertain, the recent developments suggest a possible shift in Trump’s stance on tariffs, marking a significant development since the increased steel and aluminum tariffs in June.
