President Donald Trump attacked Canada’s trade practices, calling it “one of the worst countries in the entire world” as tensions between the neighbouring countries continue.
Speaking in the Oval Office on September 28, Trump accused Ottawa of treating the United States unfairly and contrasted negotiations with Canada with his dealings with China, CBS reported.
“But Canada has been really very difficult to deal with, actually.”
Trump also accused Canada of imposing tariffs of 400% or more on American farmers. That was his claim, rather than a description of tariffs applying to all US agricultural exports.
Trade tensions remain high
The remarks follow the breakdown of trade negotiations in August and retaliatory measures from both governments.
The US imposed 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian goods, with Canada responding with matching measures in September. Washington subsequently announced import bans covering selected Canadian products, including motorcycles and whiskey.
Related: US-Canada Trade War: What New Tariffs Could Mean for Prices.
Trump said Canada still wanted an agreement, but announced no breakthrough, leaving businesses facing continued uncertainty over cross-border trade.
