Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on President Trump to remove the tariffs on steel and aluminum between the two countries during remarks at the signing ceremony for the new U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Both presidents addressed the tariff disputes they’ve had with Trump remarking that “battles sometimes make great friendships.” Trudeau, however, was much more blunt, calling the GM job losses a “heavy blow.”
He also addressed the president as “Donald” in arguing the tariffs need to be removed.
Moments ago at the signing of the new USMCA deal, Trudeau tells Trump that GM closing plants in both countries is another reason why the president should remove steel and aluminum tariffs #USMCA #NAFTA #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/4V92HGzS8C
— Michel Boyer (@BoyerMichel) November 30, 2018
Oh man, Trudeau calls President by first name, asks for lifting of tariffs: "Donald, it is all the more reason we need to keep working to remove the steel and aluminum tariffs between our countries.”
— Emily Rauhala (@emilyrauhala) November 30, 2018
Needless to say, the tensions during the signing ceremony were conspicuous.
USMCA signing re-cap: Trump introduced Canadian PM as "Justin." Trudeau called him "Donald" while calling for an end to steel and aluminum tariffs. They all looked like they were attending a funeral.
— Emily Rauhala (@emilyrauhala) November 30, 2018
The USMCA replaces NAFTA, a 1994 trade deal that created free trade zones between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The next step is for the deal to be ratified by the legislatures in all three countries.
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