Mark Carney has advanced efforts to diversify trade partnerships beyond the
USA, downplaying urgency in paused US trade talks due to recent tensions between
Donald Trump and Canadian officials following an Ontario anti-tariff advertisement featuring
Ronald Reagan.
Carney met Xi Jinping in Gyeongju and declared the meeting a turning point, with Canada pursuing expanded trade and cooperation with China, India, and the UAE in sectors like electric vehicles, AI, and critical minerals. Discussions with Narendra Modi and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan focused on accelerating India trade negotiations and critical minerals deals with the UAE, while Canada also remains committed to trilateral partnerships and building diplomatic presence in key partner countries.