ISTANBUL

Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed confidence in her country's ability to prevail in the ongoing trade dispute triggered by a series of tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump.

Speaking to the BBC's World Service Weekend program on Saturday, Joly emphasized Canada's significance as a trading partner for the US, stating: "We are the biggest customer of the US. We buy more from the Americans than China, Japan, the UK and France combined."

The US administration has implemented a 25% duty on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, with Trump also announcing plans to introduce extensive "reciprocal" tariffs to be effective from April 2.

She noted that the impact of tariffs and rising costs is a major concern for Canadians, particularly as they prepare for an upcoming federal election.

Joly underscored the strong economic connection between Canada and the US, noting: "We have the most leverage in the world when it comes to the US."

She stressed that the impact of tariffs extends beyond Canadians to "hardworking Americans."

She suggested that US citizens could play a crucial role in resolving the trade conflict, adding: "We think that ultimately the only ones that will be able to help us win this war ... are the Americans themselves because they're the ones that can send a message to their lawmakers."

Joly, addressing the speculation of a snap election, said the Liberal Party is "very keen" to secure "a clear mandate" to tackle Trump’s tariff threats.

The minister also noted that Canadians want a leader with "strong values" and that they are "preoccupied" with developments in the White House.

The election is expected to be a contest between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

Trump claims that tariffs will strengthen US manufacturing, protect jobs, and reduce the trade gap. While not ruling out a recession, he insists they are necessary.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called them "worth it" despite economic risks.

Initially targeting China, Mexico, and Canada -- covering over 40% of US imports -- Trump accuses them of failing to curb migration and drug trafficking.