Trump Terminates All Trade Talks with Canada Over Controversial TV Ad
US President Donald Trump has announced the termination of all trade negotiations with Canada. The move comes in response to a Canadian television advertisement opposing US tariffs, which the President has termed as 'egregious behavior' and fraudulent.
Background
The president made the announcement late Thursday on his Truth Social network, inciting a new wave of tension between the United States and one of its closest trading partners. Based on their egregious behaviour, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED,
Trump declared according to the South China Morning Post.
The advertisement in question, as cited by The Guardian and Al Jazeera English, featured the late President Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about tariffs. The President's reaction comes amid ongoing talks between the US and Canada for a potential deal for the steel and aluminum sectors, as reported by the Japan Times.
Key Developments and Details
The termination of trade talks is seen by many as a retaliation to the TV ad, which Trump called 'scandalous' and 'fraudulent' according to Le Monde and Deutsche Welle. The New York Times further reports that the President was motivated by what he deemed as a fraudulent advertisement.
The BBC News and TASS add that the controversial advert included former US president Ronald Regan speaking negatively about tariffs, which seems to have provoked the American leader's decision.
Implications and Reactions
This abrupt move by President Trump has thrown relations with Canada into turmoil. The Hindu reported that Trump accused Canada of using the advertisement as a means to influence US court decisions.
The announcement came shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated his aim to double the country's exports to nations outside the US due to the threat posed by Trump's tariffs. This was reported by both the South China Morning Post and The Guardian.
Current Status
As it stands, the termination of all trade talks between the US and Canada brings a new chapter of uncertainty in the relationship between the two countries. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the ongoing negotiations and the broader economic ties between the two nations. The exact implications of this move, particularly for the steel and aluminum sectors, are yet to be determined.
Sky News world and Al Jazeera English report that Donald Trump remains firm on his decision, blaming the 'fraudulent' advertisement for the termination of talks. The Canadian government has not yet responded to Trump's announcement.