InternationalNews
Trump Hosts Trudeau in Florida After Hinting at Tariff Increases
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Florida on Friday to meet with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump after the latter raised concerns among neighboring countries by suggesting significant tariff hikes on their goods.
On Monday, Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all imported goods from Canada and Mexico, sending shockwaves through both nations amid fears of a full-scale trade war. These concerns likely prompted Trudeau’s unannounced visit to West Palm Beach to meet Trump before the latter returns to the White House on January 20.
“Excellent Conversation”
A Canadian government source confirmed to Agence France-Presse that Trudeau had dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, his residence. A photo posted by Senator David McCormick from Pennsylvania showed Trump and Trudeau alongside figures like Howard Lutnick, nominated by Trump as Commerce Secretary, and Mike Waltz, tapped as National Security Advisor.
Upon leaving the hotel Saturday morning, Trudeau briefly told reporters: “It was an excellent conversation.”
In response to Trump’s threats, Canada has stated it is already considering imposing additional tariffs on certain U.S. goods should Washington proceed with its measures, according to a government source.
Canada sends over three-quarters of its exports, valued at CAD 592 billion (EUR 400 billion), to the U.S. annually. Nearly 2 million Canadians rely on exports for their livelihoods in a country of 41 million people.
During his Friday press briefing, Trudeau acknowledged that he has no doubts about Trump’s intention to implement the announced tariff increases.
Mixed Interpretations
Trump also announced that he would maintain strict tariffs on Mexico “until the invasion of drugs, especially fentanyl, and all illegal immigrants into our country ceases.” He held a phone call Wednesday with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, which has been subject to varied interpretations.
While Trump claimed Sheinbaum agreed to “stop illegal migration” into the U.S., Sheinbaum countered, stating that Mexico’s position is not to “close borders.”
Outgoing President Joe Biden criticized Trump’s trade plans, arguing they would be counterproductive. “The last thing we need is to ruin these alliances,” he said.
