Canada's escalating trade war with the United States has increased the urgency of diversifying its trade relationships and strengthening ties with other international partners.

Relations between Ottawa and Washington have deteriorated significantly since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last year, with disagreements over trade and other policy issues straining bilateral ties.

The dispute has resulted in tariffs being imposed on tens of billions of dollars' worth of cross-border trade, raising economic and political tensions between the two countries.