Washington: US President Donald Trump threatened Saturday to impose 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods entering America if Ottawa reaches a trade agreement with Beijing. “If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
According to Anadolu Agency, the US president referred to Prime Minister Mark Carney as “governor” and warned him against allowing Canada to become a “drop off port” for Chinese products destined for the American market. Trump predicted dire consequences for Canada from closer economic ties with Beijing, stating that “China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life.” In a separate post, Trump emphasized that China taking over Canada is “the last thing the world needs,” asserting that it is unlikely to happen.
In response, Canada dismissed Trump’s claims, clarifying that recent negotiations only resolved specific tariff disputes. Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister responsible for Canada-US Trade, stated that there is no pursuit of a free trade deal with China. Instead, the negotiations achieved resolutions on several important tariff issues. LeBlanc highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening economic ties with Washington, citing Carney’s earlier remark about the strong partnership between Canada and the US in both economy and security.
Amid the escalating tension, Prime Minister Carney urged citizens to support domestic businesses, describing the Canadian economy as “under threat from abroad.” In a video message, Carney assured that his government is pursuing major initiatives, including the construction of millions of homes to improve affordability and the acquisition of military hardware to protect Canadians and their sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of Canadians being their own best customers.
Last week, Canada announced a trade agreement in principle with Beijing following Carney’s visit to China, which involved easing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for reduced duties on Canadian agricultural exports. Trump also accused Canada of opposing his proposed “Golden Dome” protection over Greenland and favoring business with China instead.
Relations between Washington and Ottawa have deteriorated sharply since Trump took office last January. Carney has been seeking to counter US tariffs while resisting appeals for Canada to become the 51st US state. Amid the deteriorating ties, Trump withdrew Canada’s invitation to join his “Board of Peace” on Thursday, apparently in retaliation for Carney’s remarks at the World Economic Forum.