Trudeau Calls Trade Talks with Trump ‘Colourful,’ Warns Tariff War Will Drag On

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that his latest call with U.S. President Donald Trump was a heated but substantive discussion about the escalating trade war, with no clear resolution in sight.

Trudeau confirmed that negotiations are ongoing to pause U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods until April 2, when Trump is expected to impose another round of retaliatory measures. However, the prime minister warned that a long-term resolution remains elusive, as Trump shows no signs of dropping tariffs entirely.

A 'Colourful' and Tense Phone Call

Describing the 50-minute conversation as "colourful" and at times tense, Trudeau admitted the discussion had moments of frustration but said it was also productive.

"We will continue to be in a trade war launched by the U.S. for the foreseeable future," Trudeau said in a press conference.

Tariff Pause in the Works—But Not Certain

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC Thursday morning that Trump is considering a temporary tariff suspension for Canada and Mexico, but nothing has been finalized.

Lutnick made his comments as markets tumbled yet again, reflecting growing investor fears that Trump’s trade war could seriously damage the U.S. and global economies.

Canada Holds Firm on Retaliation

Despite the uncertainty, Trudeau said Canada will not back down. He reaffirmed that Canada will maintain its retaliatory tariffs and continue pushing for relief for key industries until the White House fully withdraws its trade measures.

"Canada has a very, very strong bargaining position," Trudeau said.

"Canadians are united in standing up for our country and our fellow citizens, and we remain firm that this is an unjustified and unjustifiable trade war launched by the Americans."