Obama mocks Trump's Canada trade war as Carney weighs deal before midterms

Summary

Barack Obama mocked Donald Trump's Canada trade war at an Ohio rally, joking about maple syrup and Martin Short. The video says the timing matters: days earlier the White House had begun removing some Canadian goods from its tariff list, while the US embassy in Ottawa accused Canada of meddling in the midterms. The fight traces back to an August deal that collapsed within a week, with Carney saying Washington asked too much and offered too little.

Pressure then shifted. Trump told a Kentucky crowd that Canadians were learning a lesson and suffering, while an October 21st embassy fact sheet cited Canada's tariffs and an Ontario ad, and named Industry Minister Melanie Joly. Carney called the claims without merit and said he was disappointed in the ambassador.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine pushed for relief for her state's producers. A White House document then exempted plywood, paper products and seaweed, among other goods, from October 30th, but added tariffs on valves, carpets and cocoa powder. Carney said Canada could sign that afternoon if the US were ready, and would wait months or longer if needed. Meanwhile Joly announced over $193 million for aluminum projects in La Baie, Quebec.

Key points

• 50% US tariffs on roughly $20B of Canadian goods, about 5% of Canada's exports to the US; Canada retaliated dollar for dollar.
• The US embassy issued an election interference fact sheet on October 21st.
• First tariff exemptions take effect October 30th, four days before the vote.
• Exempted goods include plywood, paper products, refrigeration equipment, packing materials and seaweed.
• New tariffs were added on valves, carpets, cocoa powder and vinyl flooring.
• $193M+ announced for Canadian aluminum projects in La Baie, Quebec.

Questions answered