Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday that Canada is ready to restart trade negotiations with the United States. He added that while Canada cannot control US trade policy, it remains open to dialogue and cooperation. His statement came amid renewed trade tensions following remarks from US President Donald Trump.
Trump announced on Thursday that trade talks with Canada were over. The decision came after a political ad in Ontario used a quote from former US President Ronald Reagan, warning that tariffs lead to trade wars and economic disaster. The controversy once again strained trade relations between the two long-time partners.
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Before departing for Kuala Lumpur on his first official visit to Asia, Carney said Canada and the US had been engaged in detailed and constructive discussions. He said talks covered key sectors such as steel, aluminum, and energy. “We stand ready to pick up on that progress,” Carney said, expressing optimism about resuming negotiations when Washington is ready.
Carney also emphasized that Canada will continue to strengthen its economic partnerships beyond North America. He said his visit to Asia focuses on expanding trade with what he called “the economic giants of the region.” According to Carney, these partnerships could open new opportunities for Canadian exports and investments.
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The prime minister reaffirmed that Canada remains committed to fair trade and economic stability. He said his government will keep working to protect domestic industries while pursuing new markets abroad. Despite challenges with the US, Carney stressed that Canada’s long-term strategy is to diversify its trade portfolio and build resilience in a rapidly changing global economy.