Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an unexpected visit to Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to discuss trade issues, becoming the first G7 leader to meet with the president-elect before his second term. The meeting was prompted by Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian exports, a move that could significantly affect industries like energy, automotive, and manufacturing in Canada.

Trump called the meeting “productive” and stated on Truth Social that the discussions focused on combating the fentanyl crisis, addressing trade imbalances, and ensuring fair trade agreements that protect American workers. “We will no longer sit idly by while drug cartels and unfair trade harm our citizens and economy,” Trump wrote.

Cooperation Amid Rising Tensions

The dinner meeting, which included officials from both nations, covered critical topics such as border security, NATO commitments, energy pipelines, and the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta. Trudeau emphasized the need for collaboration, warning that tariffs would harm both Canadian and American economies.

Experts remain cautious about the meeting’s outcomes. Fen Hampson, an international affairs expert, noted, “Trudeau faces immense pressure to deliver tangible results, as this issue carries high stakes for Canada.”

The discussions also touched on Trump’s broader economic threats, including imposing tariffs on BRICS nations should they pursue a new currency to rival the U.S. dollar. The meeting underscored the challenging dynamics of navigating trade policies and diplomatic relations in a period of heightened economic uncertainty.