Will Canada be exempted from US imposition of trade tariffs?

In a tweet, Trump has said the US will be flexible and cooperative with those nations who are "real friends".

The tweet reads, "Looking forward to 3:30 P.M. meeting today at the White House. We have to protect & build our Steel and Aluminum Industries while at the same time showing great flexibility and cooperation toward those that are real friends and treat us fairly on both trade and the military."

The US has announced that it will impose tariffs of 25% and 10% on steel and aluminium imports respectively from any other country.

Canada, very likely, expressed its displeasure over the entire idea of Trump administration.

In a tone of blackmailing, Trump also said Canada will be exempted only if a new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which the US President alleged to have incurred loss to his country, is signed.

Days ago, Trudeau had termed the imposition of trade tariffs as "unacceptable".

Trudeau was quoted by CBC News, "We will continue to engage with all levels of the American administration in the coming days so that they understand that this proposal is unacceptable."

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland had said "responsive measures" will be taken if Canada is not exempted at the last minute.

She said: "It is entirely inappropriate to view any trade with Canada as a national security threat to the United States.  We will always stand up for Canadian workers and Canadian businesses.  Should restrictions be imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum products, Canada will take responsive measures to defend its trade interests and workers.”

Trump hopes the imposition of tariffs will help him to bring back jobs to the US which he alleged to have been stolen by other countries that acted unfairly.

Canada still can hope for a last minute exemption as it was done in 2002 when then US President George W. Bush had imposed a tariff on steel imports.

(Reporting by Suman Das)