President Trump: “I’m a tariff guy”

At the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump doubled down on his trade philosophy during a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday.

“I’m a tariff guy. That’s my approach to trade,” Trump declared, reinforcing his commitment to using tariffs as a cornerstone of U.S. economic strategy.

The 70-minute discussion, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, aimed to address the escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada, two of the world’s closest economic allies.

The trade dispute stems from U.S.-imposed tariffs of up to 25% on Canadian steel, aluminum, and other goods, which prompted retaliatory measures from Canada. These tit-for-tat tariffs have sparked concerns about a broader trade war, threatening the deeply interconnected economies of both nations.

During the meeting, Trump expressed cautious optimism about resolving the conflict, stating, “We have different outlooks, but I believe we can get to the core of the issue today.”

He acknowledged Carney’s trade proposal as “complex but well thought out,” suggesting that a mutually beneficial agreement could be within reach in the coming weeks.

The talks in Kananaskis come after weeks of intense negotiations between U.S. and Canadian officials, who have been working to dismantle the tariff barriers that have disrupted billions of dollars in cross-border trade. The stakes are high, as both countries rely heavily on each other for exports and supply chains, particularly in industries like automotive, agriculture, and energy.

Beyond the U.S.-Canada discussions, Trump’s agenda at the G7 Summit includes meetings with other global leaders, including a highly anticipated session with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, potentially as early as Monday.

The U.S.-Mexico talks are similarly focused on trade, with Trump’s tariffs on Mexican imports, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, creating economic friction. These bilateral engagements underscore the broader theme of the G7 Summit, where trade disputes and economic cooperation dominate the agenda.

The summit, hosted in the serene yet symbolically significant setting of Kananaskis, runs through Tuesday and includes leaders from other G7 nations as well as invited guests from countries like Mexico.

As Trump navigates these high-stakes discussions, his tariff-centric approach continues to shape global trade dynamics, drawing both criticism and cautious support from counterparts seeking to balance national interests with international cooperation.