Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday he had “good talks” with President-elect Donald Trump following the announcement that the next U.S. leader will impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods when he takes office.
Prime Minister Trudeau: “I had a good phone call with Donald Trump last night.'' told reporters on Tuesday. “We clearly discussed the facts and how strong and effective ties between our two countries go back and forth.
“We discussed some challenges that we could work on together,” he continued. “That was a good call.”
Canadian officials acknowledged the relationship needs work, but Trudeau expressed optimism about working with Trump.
“What we can do is get the facts straight and move forward in a constructive way,” Trudeau said. “We know it will take some effort to build this relationship, and we intend to do it.”
Prime Minister Trudeau advocated a bipartisan approach in dealing with the United States, adding in remarks to reporters: A “Team Canada” approach is effective. ”
President Trump announced Monday that he would impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican products and an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese products. Many are already subject to tariffs imposed during President Trump's first term.
President Trump said the new tariffs are intended to strengthen border security and encourage stronger efforts from the three countries to crack down on fentanyl exports to the United States.
“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to simply resolve this long-smoldering issue. We hereby demand that they use this power, and that they Until they do, it's time for them to pay a very high price!'' Trump Posted on Truth Social.
During his campaign, President Trump pledged to impose import taxes of 10% to 20% on all foreign products and up to 60% tariffs on Chinese products. Canada, Mexico, and China are the United States' largest trading partners.
President Trump's threat came days after he announced that he would nominate financier Scott Bessent to be Treasury secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Bessent's role would give him a key role in implementing Mr. Trump's trade policies and trying to calm markets amid the expected turmoil.
