In a significant development for US-Canada relations, President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he had a “productive” conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The two leaders discussed key political and economic matters, setting the stage for a meeting immediately after Canada’s upcoming election.
“It was an extremely productive call, we agree on many things, and will be meeting immediately after Canada’s upcoming election to work on elements of politics, business, and all other factors that will end up being great for both the United States of America and Canada,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
The call between Trump and Mark Carney comes amid escalating tensions over trade and sovereignty. Just days ago, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on auto imports, a move that significantly impacts Canada, where the automobile sector is the second-largest export industry. The tariff decision has disrupted supply chains and heightened economic uncertainty, given that over 75% of Canada’s exports go to the US.
Carney, who took office on March 14, had not spoken with Trump since becoming Prime Minister. This lack of direct communication between the two leaders was highly unusual, as US presidents and Canadian prime ministers typically engage soon after a leadership change. Trump finally reached out on March 27, initiating the call, as reported by the Associated Press.
Beyond trade, tensions have risen due to Trump’s repeated statements that Canada should become the 51st US state, a stance that has deeply angered Canadians and deeply strained diplomatic ties. Carney responded, emphasizing that Canada’s sovereignty must be respected and vowing to reduce reliance on the US by pivoting trade relationships elsewhere.
Meanwhile, in response to the auto tariffs, Carney’s government had launched a $1.4 billion Strategic Response Fund to protect Canadian auto jobs.
Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including threats of additional tariffs on all Canadian products starting April 2, have placed both countries on the brink of a full-scale trade war. Opposition leaders in Canada, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, have also criticized Trump, urging him to reverse course.
