Carney spoke with Trump about trade

(Patria) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with US President Donald Trump and had a "productive and wide-ranging conversation" about trade challenges and other issues, Carney's office announced, Reuters reported.

The phone call, which comes as Canada and the United States are in a trade war, was the first known conversation between the two leaders since June 30.

Carney initiated the call, said a source from the Canadian government who requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak to the media.

The leaders, who also discussed conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, agreed to meet again soon, the statement added, but no details were provided.

Carney's office said it could not comment on whether the two intend to talk or meet again. In Washington, a Trump administration official said the prime minister and president discussed trade.

Canada has been in talks with the United States for months about a new economic and security relationship, but the two sides are not close to an agreement.
"The leaders discussed current trade challenges, opportunities, and common priorities in the new economic and security relationship," the statement said.

In late July, Trump signed an executive order increasing tariffs on Canadian goods from 25% to 35% on all products not covered by the trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada. The White House cited Canada's failure to stop fentanyl smuggling and address US concerns about trade barriers as the reason.