Trump Terminates Trade Negotiations with Canada amid Tariff Dispute
US President Donald Trump announced late on Thursday the termination of “all trade negotiations” with Canada, citing a television advertisement that he claimed misrepresented facts regarding US tariffs. He labeled the ad as “egregious behaviour” intended to influence US court decisions, reports BritPanorama.
This social media statement from Trump followed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney‘s comments about doubling exports to countries outside the US in light of escalating tariff threats. Trump’s abrupt cessation of negotiations adds to the growing trade tensions that have persisted between the two nations for several months.
Trump’s dismissal of negotiations is significant given the dependency of Canadian exports on the US market, as over three-quarters of these exports are directed there. Nearly $CAD 3.6 billion (approximately $3.9 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border daily, highlighting the economic interdependence of the two countries.
In his post, Trump referred to the advertisement regarding tariffs, claiming, “The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement…”. He also emphasized the importance of tariffs for US national security and economic interests, declaring the end of negotiations based on what he termed “egregious behaviour.”
Carney’s office has not responded to requests for comments amid the increasing strain, as he prepares for an upcoming summit in Asia. Earlier on Thursday, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute accused Ontario of misrepresenting a historical address by Reagan in its advertisement.
The foundation stated it is currently reviewing legal options regarding the advertisement and has invited the public to view the unedited version of Reagan’s address. This situation emerges after Carney’s meeting with Trump earlier this month aimed at alleviating trade tensions, as both countries anticipate a review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
The implications of Trump’s tariffs have been particularly damaging to Canada’s auto sector, with companies like Stellantis recently announcing a relocation of production from Ontario to Illinois. This context reflects a broader pattern of increasing economic friction, evidenced by Canada’s retaliatory tariffs imposed on certain US goods last April.
