After threats of tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister visits Trump

Trudeau, whose agenda did not include a scheduled visit to Florida, was seen leaving a hotel in West Palm Beach, Fla., heading to the Mar-a-Lago resort he owns. Trumpaccording to Reuters.

A Canadian government source confirmed to AFP that Trudeau dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, his residence.

On Monday, Trump threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico until the two countries crack down on drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, and immigrants crossing the border.

Mexican officials warnedCanada China, along with major industrial groups, has warned that the high tariffs threatened by Trump will harm the economies of all countries concerned, cause high inflation and harm the labor market.

Any blow to Canada’s economy would add to the difficulties Trudeau faces at a time when his popularity has declined due to a slowing economy and high cost of living in recent years.

Trade war

In response to Trump’s threats, Canada responded by confirming it was now considering imposing additional tariffs on some US products in response to any measures by Washington, a government source told AFP.

Indeed, more than three-quarters of Canada’s exports by value (C$592 billion, or €400 billion) will go to the United States in 2023.

In terms of jobs, about two million people in Canada, out of a total population of about 41 million, depend on exports for their livelihood.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trudeau indicated he had no doubts about Trump’s intention to implement the increase he announced when he took office.

“When Donald Trump makes statements like this, he intends to implement them,” said the Liberal prime minister, whose conservative rival is leading in the polls months before the Canadian election.

During Trump’s first term, the United States slapped Canada with tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum imports, and Ottawa responded by targeting some American products.

Trump made the issue of tariffs a pillar of his economic policy during his election campaign, ignoring the free trade agreement signed between the United States, Canada and Mexico during his first term.