Canadian Prime Minister says U.S. trade talks have become contentious after Trump’s remarks

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that trade talks with the United States have become "nasty" following President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Canada’s leadership and his threat to raise tariffs on additional Canadian goods. Carney emphasized that Canada remains engaged in the negotiations, framing the dispute as a effort to protect Canadian jobs and businesses.

"This is a tough negotiation. You can say 'nasty.' But this is a question of Canadian jobs. It's a question of the future of Canadian businesses," Carney said in French. Trump, speaking in Las Vegas, described Canada as "nasty" and warned of further tariff measures, including a possible 50% duty on a broader range of Canadian products beginning Aug. 19. The United States already imposes tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and automobiles. Carney noted that Canadian negotiators are currently in Washington and that he expects continued dialogue with Trump after a recent conversation. He also pointed out that existing U.S. aluminum tariffs have contributed to a 58% rise in aluminum prices in the United States, which he said is unfavorable for American companies. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai (identified as Jamieson Greer in the source) has highlighted Canada’s retaliatory measures, such as restrictions on U.S. alcohol sales in certain Canadian provinces, as part of the broader trade dispute. The tension follows earlier exchanges, including Carney’s criticism of economic coercion at the World Economic Forum in Davos and Trump’s reminder that Canada depends on the United States.