Mark Carney Stands Firm After Trump Call as Canada Pursues 12 New Global Trade Deals

Canadian prime minister rejects U.S. claims of retreat, signals shift away from economic dependence on Washington amid rising trade and sovereignty tensions.

By: Haitian Prime News|January 28, 2026|Ottawa, Canada

Canada’s diplomatic and economic relationship with the United States is entering a period of heightened tension following a direct phone call between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump, as Ottawa moves forward with an ambitious strategy to diversify its global trade partnerships.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa on Tuesday, Carney forcefully rejected claims by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that he had softened remarks made earlier this month at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“To be absolutely clear,” Carney said, “I meant what I said in Davos.”

The prime minister confirmed that Canada is actively negotiating 12 new trade agreements across four continents, a push aimed at reshaping the country’s economic posture. According to Carney, the long-term objective is to double Canada’s non-U.S. exports over the next decade, effectively ending what he described as an era of overreliance on Washington.

The announcement follows renewed trade threats from the White House after President Trump warned that the United States could impose a 100 percent tariff on all Canadian goods if Canada were to pursue a broader trade agreement with Beijing. Carney clarified that discussions with Chinese officials are limited to resolving specific tariff-related issues and do not represent a comprehensive new trade pact.

“Nothing is normal in the United States right now,” Carney said, emphasizing the need for Canada to protect its economic independence in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.

Concerns over national sovereignty have also intensified following recent developments, including President Trump’s renewed public interest in Greenland and a social media post circulating an AI-generated map of a so-called “Greater America” that depicted Canada as U.S. territory. While no official policy accompanied the imagery, Canadian officials have described the symbolism as troubling.

Reiterating a warning he delivered in Davos, Carney framed the current moment as a defining test for middle powers navigating growing geopolitical instability.

“If you are not at the table,” he said, “you are on the menu.”

Canadian government officials say negotiations with multiple international partners are ongoing, with several trade-related announcements expected in the coming months.

Sources

Statements by Prime Minister Mark Carney to reporters in Ottawa

Remarks attributed to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

Public comments and trade warnings issued by the White House