Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister as U.S.-China trade talks near amid rising tensions
President Trump sat down with newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday.
(NBC)- President Trump sat down with newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday, striking a tone of friendship despite escalating trade tensions with both allies and economic rivals.
“Regardless of anything, we’re going to be friends with Canada,” the President said.
Trade is dominating headlines this week — not just with Canada, but with China. The U.S. is preparing for high-level negotiations with Chinese officials in Switzerland beginning Friday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will lead the American delegation.
“My sense is that this will be about de-escalation, not about the big trade deal,” Bessent said. “But we’ve got to de-escalate before we can move forward.”
The talks come as the U.S. imposes a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, a move already pushing some prices higher for American consumers. At the Port of Los Angeles, officials are warning that reduced cargo volume could soon trigger product shortages. The number of shipments from China is down by more than a third, according to the port’s executive director.
Meanwhile, a Chinese spokesperson struck a firm tone, saying, “If it’s a fight, we will fight to the end; if it’s a talk, the door is open.” President Trump, increasingly vocal about his approach to foreign trade, bristled at questions regarding the timing of formal deals.
“We don’t have to sign deals. They have to sign deals with us,” he told reporters.
As for Canada, the President was blunt when asked if Prime Minister Carney could convince him to lift the 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto imports from the northern neighbor.
“No,” Trump replied. When pressed on why not, he added: “That’s just the way it is.”
The two leaders also sparred playfully over Trump’s repeated suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state.
“I still believe that,” Trump said. “But, you know, it takes two to tango… It would really be a wonderful marriage.”
Prime Minister Carney responded diplomatically: “As you know, from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale.”
To which Trump replied with a grin: “Never say never. Never say never.”
Back in Washington, the reality of the trade war is beginning to take shape. The Port of Los Angeles warns that if cargo flow doesn’t rebound soon, shortages and price increases could hit consumers within five to seven weeks as companies exhaust their current inventories.
