In an unannounced visit to Florida on Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, sparking speculation about the future of North American trade. The two leaders were set to discuss issues that have strained relations between the two nations, including Trump’s recent threat to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.
Trudeau was seen leaving his hotel in West Palm Beach before heading to the estate, his arrival causing a stir among the local media. His visit, which had been kept under wraps, was first tracked by flight monitoring services, and it was later confirmed by Canadian officials that the dinner would be an opportunity for the leaders to address their differences directly.
The meeting follows Trump’s social media announcement of plans to introduce tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, a move that has raised alarm in Canada. The United States is Canada’s largest trading partner, with more than 75% of Canadian exports heading south of the border. These proposed tariffs could deeply affect the Canadian economy, which is heavily reliant on trade with the US, with many jobs tied to this economic relationship.
While details of the dinner conversation remain private, a source familiar with the situation indicated that Canada is considering retaliatory measures in response to the tariffs. Publicly, Trudeau has made it clear that Trump’s words should not be taken lightly. Addressing the media earlier this week, the Canadian Prime Minister commented, “When Trump makes a statement like that, it’s not just for show. He’s serious about it.”
As both leaders sit down to discuss trade, the meeting could set the tone for future negotiations and determine the next steps in the evolving economic relationship between Canada and the United States.
