The United States (US) President, Donald Trump, who is attending a two-day Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Canada’s La Malbaie, reportedly pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies at the summit.
“We should at least consider no tariffs, no barriers – scrapping all of it,” US media reported Trump, as saying to the assembled leaders.
Trump’s latest suggestion is ironic as it comes amid a highly-pitched trade war, which the US President launched last month.
The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau reportedly challenged Trump’s remarks, asking, “What about subsidies?”
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It’s also reported that the heads of state present took Trump’s suggestion as largely a rhetoric.
Optimistically responding to Trump’s suggestion, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, is reported to have said, “We’ll take it as a starting point.”
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Yesterday, Trump had targeted the French President, Emmanuel Macron and the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau on Twitter, lashing out at them in a series of tweets over their criticism of US’ imposition of trade tariff.
Why isn’t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the U.S. Totally unfair to our farmers, workers & companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2018
In another Tweet, Trump took on the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.
Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the U.S. and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things…but he doesn’t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy — hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 7, 2018
In the third one, Trump took on Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron for charging the US massive tariffs and creating non-monetary barriers.
Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the U.S. massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the U.S. is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them tomorrow.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 7, 2018
On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 percent tariff on steel and aluminum respectively on three of its biggest trading partners – Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU).