WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his decision to maintain existing tariffs on Canadian imports, including the 25% duties on steel and aluminum, following a White House meeting with newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The meeting, described by officials as largely uneventful, did not yield significant progress in trade relations between the two nations. Trump reiterated his longstanding calls to revise the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), arguing that it no longer serves U.S. interests.
While the Trump administration has lifted tariffs on some countries following negotiations, Canada has remained an exception. Citing concerns about fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, Trump maintained a firm stance, controversially claiming that Canada "should be part of the U.S." and is "not an integral part of the U.S. economy", contradicting Prime Minister Carney’s views.
In March, Canada's exports to the U.S. fell by 6.6%, while imports from the U.S. declined by 2.9%, reflecting growing public unease over strained relations. However, this drop was nearly balanced by a 24.8% surge in Canadian exports to non-U.S. markets, suggesting a pivot in trade strategy.
Analysts warn that the long-term impact of the tariffs has yet to fully materialize, as businesses and governments continue to adapt to the evolving trade landscape.
