Johannesburg: Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that trade talks with the United States will resume "when it's appropriate," downplaying the urgency of recent communications with President Donald Trump. When questioned about his last conversation with Trump, Carney remarked, "Who cares? It's a detail. I'll speak to him again when it matters."
According to BBC, Carney's comments come in the wake of a disruption in trade discussions last month after President Trump reacted negatively to an anti-tariff advertisement from Ontario featuring Ronald Reagan. The ad, which used clips from Reagan's 1987 radio address criticizing tariffs, was seen by Trump as a critique of his own policies, despite his claims that tariffs would bolster American manufacturing and create jobs.
During a G20 meeting in Johannesburg, Carney mentioned that talks with the US president might occur "probably in the next two weeks." Although tensions remain, Trump has not yet enforced a threatened additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports due to the Ontario ad. Currently, the US has imposed a 35% levy on all Canadian goods, though most are exempt under an existing free trade deal. Specific sectors, such as metals and automobiles, face higher tariffs.
Ottawa is actively seeking to reduce these sector-specific tariffs. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney's casual approach to the urgency of US trade discussions, noting that it's "tough luck" for sectors most affected by the levies. With three-quarters of Canada's exports destined for the US, the Canadian economy remains particularly susceptible.
Carney has been working to diversify Canada's trade away from the US. Over the weekend, he announced, alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the commencement of negotiations on a long-anticipated trade agreement. This comes after a period of strained relations between the two countries, notably tested by the 2023 killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Vancouver. Carney is anticipated to visit India next year.
Additionally, Carney met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week, announcing advancements on a critical minerals agreement. Both parties expressed optimism about significantly increasing trade in the coming years. However, Carney has faced criticism for pursuing stronger business ties with countries like the UAE and India, which have been accused of interfering in Canadian affairs.
Despite these controversies, Carney defended India's reliability as a trading partner, acknowledging possible "sources of friction." He also noted that the UAE has been a valuable partner, particularly in delivering aid to Gaza, although the conflict in Sudan was part of their discussions.