'Extremely Productive': Trump Holds Crucial Phone Call With Canadian PM Carney Amidst Looming Trade War

Ottawa: US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a crucial phone conversation on Friday, amidst the escalating trade war between the two nations. The call comes as Canada prepares to respond to Trump's latest round of tariffs, set to hit the country's auto sector next week. The phone call between the two leaders is being considered very crucial in the backdrop of Canada's ongoing federal election campaign, with the polls scheduled for April 28.

Following the discussion, Trump described the conversation as "extremely productive," stating that he and Carney "agree on many things" and plan to meet after Canada's election to work on politics, business, and other factors that will benefit both nations. Notably, Trump referred to Carney as "Prime Minister," a departure from his previous references to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "governor" of a hypothetical 51st US state. Meanwhile, Carney remained tight-lipped about the call, with no immediate comment or readout from the Prime Minister's Office.

Canada-US Tariff War

The conversation took place after Trump signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on foreign-made cars, light trucks, and auto parts, set to take effect on April 2. Carney has vowed to respond forcefully, emphasising that "nothing is off the table." The Canadian government is considering retaliatory measures, with Carney promising to reduce internal trade barriers and pivot Canada's economy away from reliance on the US.

Canada's Election Campaign

The trade war has become a key campaign focus for Canada's main federal parties. Carney has had to pause his campaign as Liberal Party leader to focus on the US trade actions. Meanwhile, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has urged Trump to "knock it off" and "stop attacking America's friends," while NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh described Trump's tariffs as a "betrayal" and "a gut punch," emphasizing the need for Canada to fight back.

After the phone call between Trump and Carney, the experts believed that the outcome of the trade war would have major implications for both Canada and the US. With the Canadian election looming, the stakes are high, and the pressure is on for Carney to navigate the complex web of trade relations and national sovereignty.