President Donald Trump threatened Saturday to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian imports if Canada proceeds with its new trade deal with China. In a social media post, Trump warned that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney “is sorely mistaken” if he expects Canada to serve as a “Drop Off Port” for Chinese goods entering the U.S.
The warning comes after Canada agreed earlier this month to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for reduced import taxes on Canadian agricultural products. Trump initially described the deal as positive and said Carney “should be doing” such a trade agreement.
Tensions between Trump and Carney have escalated alongside the president’s push to acquire Greenland, which has strained NATO relations. Trump previously said in Davos that “Canada lives because of the United States,” prompting Carney to respond that Canada demonstrates the world need not yield to autocratic influence. Trump later rescinded an invitation for Carney to join his proposed “Board of Peace.”
The president has repeatedly provoked Canada over sovereignty, even suggesting it be absorbed as a U.S. state, and posted a social media map depicting Canada, Greenland, Venezuela, and Cuba as part of the United States. Trump also referred to Carney as “Governor Carney,” echoing a nickname he used for former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Canada over existing tariffs have not yet resolved Trump’s disputes, though Canada has received some protection under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, which is due for review this year.
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