Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Tuesday that the country will not rush into a trade deal with the United States.
This comes in light of a looming threat from the Trump administration to impose a 35% tariff on Canadian exports, triggered by a deadline for trade talks approaching on August 1.
“The Canadian government will not accept bad deals,” Carney emphasized during a speech in Huntsville, Ontario, switching between English and French.
He further clarified, “Our aim is not to reach a deal at any cost, but to pursue a transaction that will benefit Canadians the most.”
Carney’s comments were made at a three-day meeting focused on strategies leading up to the impending deadline.
“Our phones are ringing off the hook from other countries eager to engage more with Canada,” he noted, according to various reports.
He shared that since taking office, he has interacted with more than 80 international leaders, highlighting Canada’s active trade initiatives.
The situation poses challenges for leaders as they navigate President Trump’s unpredictable trade policies with long-standing partners.
“Donald Trump is quite difficult to deal with, mainly because everything is so fluid and constantly evolving,” remarked Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford regarding this issue.
He added, “One day I speak to him, and the next, he’s on a media platform announcing a 35% tariff.”
Ford has made numerous trips to Washington this year, particularly after suggesting the possibility of importing electricity from Canada.
In light of these developments, Canadian leaders are contemplating how best to satisfy Trump’s demands.
“We desire an ideal deal, but what can we really expect? Engaging with Trump can be tricky, and sometimes, I wonder if he even knows what he truly wants,” he remarked.
