U.S President Donald Trump has sharply escalated tensions with Canada by warning that Ottawa could face a 100 percent tariff on all its exports to the United States if it moves forward with a trade agreement involving China. On his Truth Social platform Trump said that if Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney “thinks he is going to make Canada a drop off port for China to send goods and products into the United States he is sorely mistaken,” adding that Beijing would “eat Canada alive,” undermining its businesses economy and way of life if closer economic ties are pursued.
The warning comes amid already strained relations between the two countries following reports of a Canada China trade arrangement that includes tariff relief on Chinese electric vehicles and agricultural products. Tensions intensified after Carney publicly criticized U.S. foreign policy at the World Economic Forum remarks that reportedly angered Trump and led him to revoke Canada’s invitation to his so called “Board of Peace.”
Canadian officials however insist there is no full free trade deal with China and emphasize that Ottawa is merely diversifying its trade partners. The dispute has created fresh uncertainty for North American trade raising concerns among analysts that it could signal a new phase of economic confrontation between Washington and one of its closest allies potentially impacting industries supply chains and bilateral relations.
