President Trump states negotiations with China will resume at the 'right time' while addressing trade issues with Canada.
President
Donald Trump announced that the United States will engage in trade negotiations with China at the 'appropriate time' during a meeting at the White House with newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Current trade discussions between the two nations are effectively paused, according to Trump.
The President indicated that the U.S. has mitigated losses in bilateral trade amounting to approximately $1 trillion through the imposition of a 145% tariff on imports from China.
He asserted that China is seeking negotiations due to adverse impacts on its economy from the cessation of trade with the United States.
Trump remarked that no meeting has yet taken place between U.S. representatives and Chinese officials.
During the session, Trump highlighted that the extensive tariffs he has implemented have led to record levels of foreign investment, which he estimated could reach $9 trillion.
He cited a uniform 25% tariff on imported vehicles, steel, and aluminum as incentives for foreign companies to establish or expand production in the U.S.
Regarding bilateral trade agreements currently under preparation with various countries, Trump stated that it is not essential for the U.S. to reach deals with partners, but emphasized that these nations are keen to access the American market.
He remarked, 'They want to participate in our market; we do not want to participate in their market.'
In the upcoming two weeks, negotiations are scheduled to involve U.S. trade, financial, and foreign ministers, as well as the Vice President, during which the U.S. will dictate the terms.
Trump noted that the other party may choose whether to accept the offers made, while also suggesting potential flexibility from the U.S. side during negotiations.
'In most cases, we will set the numbers along which they can trade with us; this will be fair, low numbers, because we do not want to cause harm and want to help other countries,' Trump outlined the principles guiding U.S. trade discussions.
He added that for certain countries, the American request will be to open their markets to U.S. products, while in other instances, the expectation will be to reduce tariffs.
Concerning U.S.-Canada relations, Trump reiterated his support for the notion of welcoming Canada as the 51st state, though he acknowledged that 'it takes two to tango.' He expressed that the U.S. does not need products from Canada as it prefers to produce them domestically, although he recognized the necessity for Canada to benefit from revenues generated by exports to the U.S.
In response to Trump's remarks about Canadian statehood, Prime Minister Carney firmly stated that Canada will never be sold while advocating for opportunities to enhance the partnership.
Both Trump and Carney expressed intentions to review the trilateral trade agreement involving the United States, Mexico, and Canada, indicating that its framework is currently under negotiation.