Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered a frank assessment of the challenges involved in dealing with United States President Donald Trump during a public discussion in Australia, describing the process as complex while emphasizing the importance of maintaining constructive engagement.

Speaking at a policy event during his visit to Australia, Carney acknowledged that working with the American administration requires careful diplomacy and persistence.

"It's not easy, let's be clear," he told the audience when asked about managing relations with President Trump, whose assertive negotiating style and strong economic agenda have reshaped global political and trade dynamics.

Carney’s remarks came as he sought to deepen cooperation between Canada and Australia, two countries he described as influential middle powers with shared economic and strategic interests.

He encouraged closer collaboration in key sectors such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and space-based communications, areas increasingly central to economic resilience and national security.

The Canadian leader argued that partnerships among countries with similar values and economic structures can strengthen their ability to navigate a rapidly changing international landscape.

By coordinating investment and policy in emerging technologies and supply chains, he suggested, countries like Canada and Australia can expand their influence while safeguarding their economic sovereignty.

His comments followed earlier speeches in which he outlined a view that the global system is undergoing a significant shift, with traditional assumptions about trade, geopolitics and international cooperation evolving rapidly.

In that environment, Carney has urged governments to pursue pragmatic alliances and diversified economic relationships.

Despite acknowledging the difficulties of negotiating with Washington, Carney also highlighted the enduring importance of the United States as a central partner in global security and economic networks.

The United States remains Canada’s largest trading partner and a key strategic ally for many Western nations, including Australia.

The Canadian prime minister’s visit to Australia is expected to culminate in new agreements aimed at expanding cooperation on defence, investment and critical mineral supply chains.

Officials from both countries have signalled that deeper economic and strategic ties could help secure supply networks for emerging technologies while strengthening broader international partnerships.

Carney’s candid remarks about engaging with the Trump administration underscored the balancing act many allied leaders face: maintaining strong ties with Washington while adapting to a more competitive and rapidly shifting global order.