Carney Stands by Davos Critique, Plans 12 Non‑U.S. Trade Deals After Trump’s 100% Tariff Threat
After President Trump threatened Canada with 100% tariffs over its limited new trade deal with China, Carney said he told Trump on a follow‑up call that he "meant what I said" in his Davos remarks, directly contradicting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s account that he had softened his stance. Carney also outlined a plan to sign 12 new trade deals across four continents within six months and double non‑U.S. exports over the next decade to reduce dependence on the U.S., reiterated Canada has no interest in a comprehensive China deal, and said he and Trump discussed Ukraine, Venezuela and Arctic security.
📌 Key Facts
- Carney said on a follow‑up call with Trump that he "meant what I said in Davos" and did not walk back his speech, directly contradicting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s account.
- He outlined a plan for Canada to sign 12 new trade deals across four continents within six months and to double non‑U.S. exports over the next decade, explicitly to reduce dependence on the U.S.
- Carney reiterated that Canada has "no interest" in a comprehensive trade deal with Beijing and described a recent China arrangement as a limited tariff cut covering only a few sectors.
- He tied his stance to broader concerns about shifts in U.S. policy — citing Trump's Greenland push — saying "the world has changed, Washington has changed" and that there is "almost nothing normal in the U.S. now."
- Carney confirmed that his half‑hour call with Trump also covered Ukraine, Venezuela and Arctic security.
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
"The piece argues against Trump‑style blanket tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and for opening U.S. markets to competitive Chinese cars under rigorous regulatory safeguards, contending that competition will lower prices and speed EV adoption while targeted rules—not protectionism—should address any security risks."
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Carney publicly says he told Trump on a follow‑up call that he 'meant what I said in Davos' and did not walk back his speech, directly contradicting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s account.
- Carney details a plan for Canada to sign 12 new trade deals across four continents in six months and to double non‑U.S. exports over the next decade, explicitly to reduce dependence on the U.S.
- Carney reiterates that Canada has 'no interest' in a comprehensive trade deal with Beijing and frames his recent China arrangement as only a limited tariff‑cut on a few sectors.
- He ties his stance to broader concerns over Trump’s Greenland push, saying Canada was first to recognize that 'the world has changed, Washington has changed,' and that there is 'almost nothing normal in the U.S. now.'
- Carney confirms he and Trump also discussed Ukraine, Venezuela and Arctic security during their half‑hour call.