WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has described ongoing trade negotiations with Canada as “complicated,” yet expressed confidence that Ottawa would be “very happy” with the eventual outcome. Speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House, the two leaders adopted a friendly tone, signalling hopes for a breakthrough despite persistent tariff disputes.
Trump acknowledged that US carmakers were “hurt” when companies moved operations across the border, saying the two neighbours had been placed “in competition.” Still, he insisted that the relationship remained one of both “natural conflict” and “mutual love,” calling Canada a “great friend and partner.”
Carney, on his second White House visit since taking office in March, echoed optimism, saying both sides would “get the right deal.” He emphasised that Canada, which sells 75 percent of its exports to the US, sought an arrangement that strengthens shared economic interests.
Despite positive rhetoric, tensions linger. The Trump administration maintains a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, alongside sector-specific duties — 50% on metals and 25% on automobiles — though exemptions exist under the USMCA trade framework. Canada remains the only G7 country yet to finalise a trade pact with Trump’s government this year.
Carney praised Trump as a “transformative” leader and noted that competition over industries like steel and automobiles was inevitable but resolvable. “There are areas where we compete,” he said, “but many more where we are stronger together.”
The meeting ended on a cordial note, a contrast to Trump’s earlier confrontations with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump hailed Carney as a “tough negotiator” and, when asked what delayed a deal, quipped, “I want to be a great man, too.”
