Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has travelled to Florida to meet with Donald Trump as Canada seeks to counter the president-elect’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods.
Canadian media reported that Trudeau arrived at Palm Beach International Airport on Friday evening for a visit to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The trip was not listed on Trudeau’s official schedule, and neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor Trump’s team has commented on the meeting.
EDITOR’S PICKS
The visit follows a phone call between the two leaders earlier in the week, during which Trump reiterated his plan to impose tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico once he takes office in January. Analysts suggest the tariff threat may be a negotiating tactic, a strategy Trump has used previously to achieve policy goals.
While in Prince Edward Island on Friday, Trudeau highlighted the countries’ history of economic collaboration, including the successful renegotiation of a major trade agreement during Trump’s first term. He expressed optimism about “great conversations” with Trump and emphasized the shared goal of creating jobs on both sides of the border.
Canada has been actively working to avoid the tariffs, with Trudeau arguing they would not only harm Canadian industries like oil, gas, and automotive but also raise prices for American consumers and damage the U.S. economy.
After speaking with Trump earlier this week, Trudeau convened an emergency meeting with Canada’s provincial and territorial leaders to devise a unified approach to handling U.S.-Canada relations. He has vowed to present a cohesive “Team Canada” strategy to oppose the levy.
The tariff proposal has drawn criticism from Canadian provincial leaders, who warn of severe economic consequences. Meanwhile, Trump has stated that the tariffs would remain in place until Canada and Mexico strengthen security along their borders with the U.S.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also spoke with Trump by phone this week, underscoring the broader regional implications of the tariff threats.
Although border crossings between Canada and the U.S. are significantly lower than those at the southern border—23,700 northern border apprehensions compared to over 1.53 million at the southern border in fiscal year 2024—Canadian officials have acknowledged the need for continued joint efforts to improve border security.
As one of America’s largest trading partners, with 75% of its exports destined for the U.S., Canada faces high stakes in maintaining strong trade relations and averting potentially damaging tariffs.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that it has not yet commenced…
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his commitment to completing the National Youth…
The President General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, has stated that the…