Donald Trump has had mixed feelings about Canada signing a trade deal with China. The US president stated that he would impose a 100% tariff on its adjoining neighboring country if it makes a deal with China. President Trump has used tricks and bad politics which in turn have surely hurt the world’s economy. America itself, and mainly its citizens who have to deal with inflation and food shortages.
Trump Warns Canada Over China Trade Deal
On Truth Social, Trump expressed “The last thing the World needs is to have China take over Canada. It’s NOT going to happen, or even come close to happening! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
On another truth social post trump addressed PM Mark Carney as ‘Governor Carney’ implying that Canada is America’s 51th state. He adds “he thinks he is going to make Canada a “Drop Off Port” for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life.”
Carney Pushes Domestic Focus, Avoids Direct Response
PM Carney spoke publicly about people buying more domestic products and did not gave any comments on Trumps threats. He mentioned “With our economy under threat from abroad, Canadians have made a choice to focus on what we can control, we can’t control what other nations do, we can be our own best customer.”
Canada–China Trade Deal and Trump’s Softer Tone
PM Carney visited China this month to maintain and enhance ties with the country and signed a trade deal. When Canadian PM Carney returned President Trump made a supportive statement despite his earlier threats, he said “It’s a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China, you should do that.”
According to Reuters, the Chinese embassy in China were ready to work on implementation of consensus reached by leaders of both countries. Though, the tension between US-Canada is tightened than before as Carney criticized Trump on the matter of Greenland.
Davos Speech Signals Strain in US–Canada Relations
At Davos, World Economic Forum, PM Carney talked about how nations accepting rules-based global order was over and pointed to Canada as an example of how “middle powers” need to act together to eschew from being victimized by the US. During his speech, he made a powerful statement “middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu.” He received a standing ovation from world leaders and other industry giants.
Exchange of Remarks Between Trump and Carney
Trump countered Carney’s statement by saying that “Canada lives because of the United States,” in reply Canadian PM made a statement in Quebec “Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security and in rich cultural exchange. Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”
Trade Uncertainty Raises Business Concerns
Trump revoked Canada’s invitation to his Board of Peace which was made to resolve international conflicts and improve Gaza’s future.
When Trump was asked bout a huge trade deal between US, Canada and Mexico he stated that it was “irrelevant” as its renegotiations are up for in July. Trump has used his power again and again to force tariffs, many a times he has stopped them during discussions or ignored entirety. This week Trump stepped back on his threats to issue strict tariffs on European ally countries after the chief of NATO and many other prominent leaders decided to upgrade security in the Arctic.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Matthew Holmes said that “We hope the two governments can come to a better understanding quickly that can alleviate further concerns for businesses who face the immediate consequences of torqued up uncertainty.”
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