Carney's second visit to the United States comes as one of the world’s most durable and amicable alliances has been stressed by Trump's demand for a revised trade agenda with Canada. Among the topics up for discussion are trade and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is critical to Canada's economy and is up for a review next year.
Trump said he was willing to revisit the free trade agreement, which was enacted during his first term, or seek “different deals.”
“We could renegotiate it, and that would be good, or we can just do different deals,” he said. “We’re allowed to do different deals.”
Trump exhibited a fondness for Carney, something he didn't display toward Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau. He described Carney as a “world class leader” and said he's a tough negotiator.
“We want Canada to do great,” Trump said. “But you know, there's a point at which we also want the same business.”
Asked why the U.S. and Canada have failed to reach a deal on trade, Trump said it's a complicated situation.
“We have natural conflict," he said. “We also have mutual love.”
Carney balked at the word “conflict.”
“There are areas where we compete, and it’s in those areas where we have to come to an agreement that works. But there are more areas where we are stronger together, and that’s what we’re focused on.”
