US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Canada, stating that if it were to finalize a trade deal with China, he would impose a 100% tariff on all Canadian goods entering the US market. The threat comes as tensions between Washington and Ottawa have been escalating since Trump took office.
Trump's comments came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney touted a "new strategic partnership" with China during his visit to Beijing last week. While Trump praised Canada for its economic strength, he warned that if it were to cooperate with China on trade, the US would retaliate severely.
"The notion that Canada can be a 'drop-off port' for China is laughable," Trump said in a statement on his Truth Social platform. "China will consume Canada whole, destroying their businesses and way of life." The US president's scathing remarks were further underscored when he referred to Carney as "Governor," a jab at Trump's repeated calls for Canada to become the 51st state of the United States.
Canada's trade minister, Dominic LeBlanc, pushed back against Trump's warning, stating that there are no plans to pursue a free trade deal with China. Instead, Canadian officials say they achieved progress on several key tariff issues in their talks with Chinese counterparts.
Despite the tensions, Canada remains heavily reliant on trade with the US. The two countries have a long-standing free trade agreement, and negotiations on revising the pact are set to begin early this year. Trump has repeatedly insisted that the US doesn't need access to Canadian products, which would have significant consequences for Ottawa.
As the situation continues to unfold, Canadian business leaders are urging calm and cooperation. "We hope that both governments will come to a better understanding quickly," said Matthew Holmes, executive vice president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
The dispute highlights the growing divide between Canada and the US under Trump's leadership. The two nations have struggled to find common ground on trade and other issues, with tensions simmering since Trump took office.
Trump's comments came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney touted a "new strategic partnership" with China during his visit to Beijing last week. While Trump praised Canada for its economic strength, he warned that if it were to cooperate with China on trade, the US would retaliate severely.
"The notion that Canada can be a 'drop-off port' for China is laughable," Trump said in a statement on his Truth Social platform. "China will consume Canada whole, destroying their businesses and way of life." The US president's scathing remarks were further underscored when he referred to Carney as "Governor," a jab at Trump's repeated calls for Canada to become the 51st state of the United States.
Canada's trade minister, Dominic LeBlanc, pushed back against Trump's warning, stating that there are no plans to pursue a free trade deal with China. Instead, Canadian officials say they achieved progress on several key tariff issues in their talks with Chinese counterparts.
Despite the tensions, Canada remains heavily reliant on trade with the US. The two countries have a long-standing free trade agreement, and negotiations on revising the pact are set to begin early this year. Trump has repeatedly insisted that the US doesn't need access to Canadian products, which would have significant consequences for Ottawa.
As the situation continues to unfold, Canadian business leaders are urging calm and cooperation. "We hope that both governments will come to a better understanding quickly," said Matthew Holmes, executive vice president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
The dispute highlights the growing divide between Canada and the US under Trump's leadership. The two nations have struggled to find common ground on trade and other issues, with tensions simmering since Trump took office.
China is like that one aunt at a family reunion... you try to avoid her, but she still shows up uninvited 
This whole situation is super concerning, especially if Canada does end up with a trade deal with China. I mean, 100% tariff on all Canadian goods? That's huge damage to their economy. It's not just about the financial impact, but also the jobs and businesses that would be affected.
like what even is a 100% tariff on canadian goods lol who does he think is gonna benefit from that 
anyway i was just thinking about trying out that new craft beer place downtown has anyone tried it? and btw why do they have to be so serious all the time on tv news can't they just relax and have some fun 
i get that they're trying to protect their own interests and all, but come on, is it really worth risking a trade war with our biggest trading partner? 
The thing is, Canada doesn't want to be a "drop-off port" for China, that sounds super weird! 
2020 was a record high at $18.2 billion, while in 2022 it dropped to around $12.7 billion, still way up from pre-pandemic levels 
But Trump's threat of a 100% tariff could have serious consequences for Ottawa, especially if it leads to retaliatory measures from Canada 
and trump is over here acting all dramatic about it 
The whole thing just feels like a big mess, you know? And why do they have to make personal attacks too? Like, can't we just focus on getting things done for everyone involved? 
. And now they're all talking about tariffs and stuff... it's just so much drama 
. Can't they just have a nice cup of tea and talk things through? 
.
. It's time for these countries to work together and find some common ground 
. Maybe we'll see a new generation of leaders who can actually facilitate progress, not just bicker over tariffs 
that's just rude. can't we all just get along?