Will dictate tariff levels for US trading partners

US President Donald Trump said he would dictate tariff levels for US trading partners looking to avoid higher duties, appearing to move away from the idea that he would engage in back-and-forth negotiations.

- Reuters

WASHINGTON: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the White House on Tuesday for his first talks with Donald Trump and bluntly told the US president that Canada would never be for sale.

Their meeting started with smiles and a handshake despite Trump's desire to make Canada the 51st US state, a prospect that has chilled bilateral relations.

The subject quickly came up as they took questions from reporters.

"We're not going to be discussing that unless somebody wants to discuss it," Trump said. "It would really be a wonderful marriage."

Carney put down the idea firmly.

"It's not for sale, it won't be for sale ever," he told Trump in the Oval Office.

"Never say never, never say never," Trump said.

Trump, whose tariff policy has rattled world markets, said he and Carney would discuss "tough points", an allusion to the president's belief that the United States can do without Canadian products.