OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney is setting off on a key Asian tour today, focused on trade diversification as a primary national strategy. This critical diplomatic mission follows the abrupt halt of trade discussions with Canada by US President Donald Trump.
Trump’s sudden decision to end trade talks was reportedly triggered by the use of Ronald Reagan’s voice in an anti-tariff advertisement run by the Ontario government. This breakdown in communication has dimmed Canada’s hopes for an immediate reduction in US tariffs.
In light of the ongoing trade dispute with the United States, expanding commercial ties with Asian nations, particularly the rapidly growing economy of China, is crucial for Prime Minister Carney to safeguard Canada’s economic interests.
Carney is scheduled to attend the ASEAN summit in Malaysia and the APEC summit in South Korea. During these meetings, he plans to seek separate discussions with both US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The meeting with President Xi is particularly vital for mending previously strained relations and attempting to secure the removal of tariffs imposed by China on Canadian canola products. Furthermore, Carney indicated that the US might make an announcement regarding steel and aluminum tariffs during the APEC summit, adding another layer of tension to the diplomatic schedule.
