WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Saturday that Canada would face 100% tariffs on all goods entering the United States if Ottawa proceeds with a trade agreement with China, escalating tensions between Washington and one of its closest allies and signaling a harder U.S. line against Beijing-linked economic partnerships.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said any deal between Canada and China would trigger “immediate” retaliatory measures, arguing that Beijing could use Canada as a conduit to bypass existing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. He claimed such an arrangement would undermine American trade defenses and damage U.S. manufacturing interests.
Trump framed the warning as a move to protect Canada as much as the United States, asserting that China would exploit the Canadian economy if given access through preferential trade terms. “China will eat Canada alive,” Trump wrote, adding that Ottawa risked becoming economically dependent on Beijing.
The comments come amid already strained relations between Washington and Ottawa following Trump’s return to the White House. Trade disputes, industrial policy disagreements and diverging approaches to China have increasingly tested the bilateral relationship, despite deep integration under the USMCA trade framework.
Trump also took aim at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, referring to him as a “governor,” language that was widely interpreted as a provocation questioning Canada’s political independence. Canadian officials have not formally responded to the tariff threat, though Carney has previously said Canada would pursue economic policies in its national interest while seeking to reduce overreliance on any single global power.
Analysts say the threat underscores Trump’s broader strategy of using tariffs as leverage to deter allies from deepening ties with China. Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly argued that global supply chains must be reoriented away from Beijing, even if that approach strains relations with traditional partners.
Economists warn that a blanket 100% tariff on Canadian exports would have significant consequences for North American supply chains, particularly in the automotive, energy and agricultural sectors, where cross-border trade is deeply intertwined. Canada is the largest export destination for U.S. goods and the second-largest trading partner overall.
The episode adds to uncertainty surrounding global trade policy, as governments and businesses weigh the risk of abrupt tariff actions amid rising geopolitical competition between the United States and China.
FAQs
What did Trump threaten Canada with?
Trump warned he would impose 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods entering the U.S. if Canada signs a trade deal with China.
Why is Trump opposed to a Canada–China trade deal?
He argues that China could use Canada to bypass existing U.S. tariffs and gain unfair access to the American market.
Would these tariffs apply immediately?
Trump said the tariffs would take effect “immediately” if such a deal were finalized.
How important is Canada to U.S. trade?
Canada is one of the United States’ largest trading partners, with deeply integrated supply chains across multiple industries.
Has Canada responded officially?
As of now, Canadian authorities have not issued a formal response to Trump’s latest comments.
Sources
Reuters – https://www.reuters.com
Bloomberg – https://www.bloomberg.com
France 24 – https://www.france24.com
Deutsche Welle – https://www.dw.com
#Trump #Canada #China #TradeWar #Tariffs #USMCA #GlobalTrade #Geopolitics #Economy
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