US President Donald Trump has threatened Canada with severe trade penalties. He said the United States would impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods. Trump delivered the warning through a post on his social media platform. He said the tariffs would apply immediately. The threat targets any trade agreement between Canada and China.
Trump said Canada would face punishment if it finalized a deal with Beijing. He said the tariffs would cover all Canadian goods entering the United States. He framed the move as protection for American workers. He did not mention negotiations or exemptions. The warning intensified pressure on Ottawa.
Uncertainty Surrounds Trump’s Warning
Trump did not explain which agreement triggered his threat. Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a strategic partnership with China. The two countries agreed to reduce several tariffs. Canadian officials described the move as limited. They did not announce a free trade agreement.
Trump initially welcomed the announcement. He previously called the development a good thing. His latest comments marked a clear shift in tone. The change followed growing political tensions. Relations between the two neighbors have cooled in recent days.
Rising Tensions Between Washington and Ottawa
Tensions increased after Carney spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He said the US-led global order had fractured. He urged middle powers to cooperate against economic coercion. He did not mention Trump by name. His comments drew attention in Washington.
Trump responded the following day during a public speech. He said Canada survives because of the United States. He later withdrew an invitation for Canada to join his new Board of Peace. The actions deepened diplomatic strains.
Trump Accuses Canada of Acting as China’s Gateway
Trump escalated his rhetoric in a later social media post. He accused Carney of trying to turn Canada into a drop-off port for China. He said China would use Canada to send goods into the United States. Trump said Carney was mistaken. He repeated his warning about severe tariffs.
Officials in Washington and Ottawa declined immediate comment. Both governments faced questions from reporters. The dispute added uncertainty to North American trade relations.
Canada Rejects Claims of Free Trade Talks
Canada’s US trade minister Dominic LeBlanc denied plans for a free trade deal. He said the government was not pursuing such an agreement. He said officials resolved several tariff disputes. He emphasized economic stability.
LeBlanc said Canada focused on strengthening its economy. He said the government aimed to expand global trade partnerships. He stressed diversification beyond the United States. The US remains Canada’s largest trade partner.
China Agreement Marks Shift in Trade Strategy
Canada has sought to reduce reliance on the US market. Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies fueled that effort. Under a recent agreement, China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola oil. The rate will fall from 85% to 15% by March.
Canada will reduce tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The rate will drop to 6.1%. It previously stood at 100%. The agreement followed years of strained relations. Analysts viewed it as a breakthrough.
Carney Sees Deal as Preparation for New Global Order
The agreement could increase Chinese investment in Canada. It may also ease long-standing trade tensions. Carney said the progress positioned Canada well. He said the country must adapt to a changing global system. He described the moment as preparation for a new world order.
