U. S. President Donald Trump is threatening to impose a 100 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods coming into the United States if Canada “makes a deal with China” – a strong warning that follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which many viewed as a response to U. S. actions.
Trump did not clarify what he meant by a “deal” in his social media post. Last week, Canada reached an agreement with China allowing 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles to enter the market at a reduced tariff rate of 6.1 per cent in exchange for China lowering tariffs on Canadian canola.
“If Governor Carney 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,” the U. S. president wrote in his post.
“China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life,” Trump said.
In a follow-up post, the president stated, “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!”
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Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at the beginning of a cabinet planning forum, at the Citadelle in Quebec City on Thursday. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)
Canada-U. S. Trade Minister Dominic Le Blanc said in a statement shared on social media, “There is no pursuit of a free trade deal with China. What was achieved was resolution on several important tariff issues.”
Le Blanc added: “As the Prime Minister said this week, Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in our economy and security – and we will remain focused on ensuring that future relationship benefits workers and businesses on both sides of our border.”
The U. S. president’s social media posts mark a shift from his initial comments after Canada struck an agreement with China’s government. He seemed unfazed then and remarked last week that it was a “good thing.”
“That’s what [Carney] should be doing. It’s good for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China, you should do that,” Trump told reporters at the White House during that time.
The has contacted the Prime Minister’s Office for comment.
Carney has not taken questions from reporters since returning from his trip covering China, Qatar and Davos – during which he spoke out strongly against Trump twice.
The prime minister was set to take questions from journalists after two days of meetings with his front benches in Quebec City – standard practice at these retreats. But just moments before Carney was expected to appear, his news conference got canceled.
An official mentioned that it was due to scheduling conflicts.
class=”video-item-title”>Why Trump just threatened Canada in Davos | About That>U. S. President Donald Trump responded sharply to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s remarks at the World Economic Forum regarding how countries can distance themselves from U. S influence. Andrew Chang breaks down key moments from both leaders’ speeches while highlighting changes in Canada’s global approach and deteriorating relations between these long-time allies. Images provided by The Canadian Press, Reuters and Getty Images
U. S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized Canada for “complaining” about its treatment under Trump’s administration while enjoying what he called the “second-best” trade deal any country has with America.>
“Give me a break; they have one of the best deals globally but I have to listen to this guy whine,” Lutnick commented during an interview held in Davos.>
Lutnick also noted that Trump later decided against inviting Carney onto his “Board of Peace” initiative concerning Gaza.
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Rising Tensions After Carney’s Speech in Davos
This week earlier, global leaders praised Carney for his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos – where he claimed “American hegemony” and powerful nations are using economic integration as “weapons.” “The old order is not coming back,” he stated. “We shouldn’t mourn it; nostalgia isn’t strategy. But from this fracture we can create something better, stronger and fairer.” In his own speech on Wednesday, Trump countered by saying that “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, next time you make your statements.”>WATCH | Examining Carney and Trump’s Davos speeches:
class=”video-item-title”>Why Trump just threatened Canada in Davos | About That>U. S. President Donald Trump responded sharply to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s remarks at the World Economic Forum regarding how countries can distance themselves from U. S influence. Andrew Chang breaks down key moments from both leaders’ speeches while highlighting changes in Canada’s global approach and deteriorating relations between these long-time allies. Images provided by The Canadian Press, Reuters and Getty Images
U. S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized Canada for “complaining” about its treatment under Trump’s administration while enjoying what he called the “second-best” trade deal any country has with America.>
“Give me a break; they have one of the best deals globally but I have to listen to this guy whine,” Lutnick commented during an interview held in Davos.>
Lutnick also noted that Trump later decided against inviting Carney onto his “Board of Peace” initiative concerning Gaza.Source link
