Mark Carney in Washington/ Second meeting with Trump today

2025-10-07 20:33:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with US President Donald Trump at the White House today. This is the second time in the last five months that he has met with Trump, as tensions between the two countries continue after the announcement of new tariffs imposed by the US on steel, vehicles and other material goods.

"I liked Carney from the beginning and we had a good relationship. We have a natural conflict. We also have a mutual love ... you know we have a great love for each other," Trump told reporters, sitting next to Carney.

Trump went on to say that the two men would discuss possible tariff reductions on key Canadian sectors as part of efforts to ease trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa.

More than 77 percent of Canada's exports go to the U.S. A Canadian official and some analysts have downplayed the chances of a deal between the two leaders, saying the fact that talks are taking place is in itself a success for Carney.

Another very important topic is the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA), approved during Trump's first term.

"We can renegotiate, which would be the best thing, or we can make new deals," Trump said.

In contrast to his consideration for Trudeau, President Trump said his successor Carney is a world leader and a very skilled negotiator. In May, Carney made it clear to Trump that Canada was not for sale, following the US president's words about annexing it as a country.

Since then, Canada has made several concessions to its largest trading partner, including removing some counter-tariffs and eliminating a digital services tax on American technology companies.

While most Canadian exports are already entering the U.S. tariff-free under the USMCA, U.S. tariffs have hit Canada's steel, aluminum and automotive sectors, as well as a number of small businesses.

Mark Carney won election in April on a promise to be tough on Trump in defense of Canada's policies. Although the opposition has criticized his actions toward the United States, polls show broad support for Carney among Canadians./CNA