U.S.-Canada trade negotiations a long process, Carney says

Prime Minister Mark Carney planned to meet with President Trump several times in the coming weeks to negotiate economic policy, the Canadian leader said after his Tuesday White House visit. The two leaders would also speak at the G7 conference in Canada next month, Carney said.

Carney emphasized that negotiations between the two countries had just begun and would be an ongoing process. He was encouraged that his conversation with Trump focused more on finding concrete solutions for a trade deal than laying down terms, he said.

During the leaders’ Oval Office meeting, Trump praised the existing North American free trade agreement and spoke of making some changes to it in the course of negotiations. But he emphasized his desire to boost auto manufacturing in the U.S. while using some foreign-made car parts. Trump also said Carney couldn’t say anything that would convince him to lift his up to 25% tariffs on Canada, which exclude items covered in the States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

What did Carney and Trump say about their countries’ international security partnership? In the Oval Office, Carney praised Trump for revitalizing participation in NATO. He said Canada would build up its military security and work to meet its NATO defense spending commitments. Trump thanked Carney for doing so. The two also spoke behind closed doors about relations with China, Carney said during his press conference.

Did the two leaders discuss Trump’s hopes to make Canada the 51st U.S. state? In response to a reporter’s question, Trump again brought up the idea of annexing Canada, saying the move would lower taxes for Canadians and increase security.

Carney said Canada would never be for sale. Trump responded with “Never say never,” to which Carney repeatedly mouthed “never” while smiling.

Carney also said in his press conference after the meeting that Trump needed to distinguish between a wish and reality. Canada would focus on what it could control—building up its own military and economy, Carney said. He said his country could give itself more than any foreign government could take away, in an apparent reference to U.S. tariffs.

Dig deeper: Read Carolina Lumetta’s report on Trump’s surprise announcement about the Houthis yesterday.