WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Canada’s trade policies and announced steep tariffs on Canadian products.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused Canada of harming the United States for years.
He said high Canadian tariffs on US farmers and agricultural products had made life difficult for American farmers. He also pointed to a long-standing $60 billion US trade deficit with Canada, saying it was no longer acceptable.
Trump said the United States would impose a 50% tariff on all vehicles, vehicle parts and steel imported from Canada from January 1, 2027.
He warned Canada that it could avoid the tariffs by manufacturing its products in the United States. He said products made in the US would face no such tariffs.
Trump also said the United States would no longer treat Canada like a state. He described Canada as one of the most difficult countries to deal with on trade and other issues.
The US president said Canada acted as if it was entitled to special treatment.
Trump also argued that Canada needed the United States more than the United States needed Canada.
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He said about 95% of Canada’s trade was with the United States. By contrast, he said, the US was far less dependent on Canada for its trade.
