Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs as Canada Strikes Back in Trade War

Trump Threatens Stronger Tariffs as Canada Strikes Back in Trade War

Tensions between the United States and Canada escalated as Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs further in response to Canada’s retaliatory trade measures.

As of Tuesday, all Canadian and Mexican imports will be subject to a 25% U.S. tariff. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would impose counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, mirroring the American trade restrictions.

Trump quickly fired back on Truth Social, warning that any retaliatory tariffs from Canada would be met with an immediate and proportional increase in U.S. tariffs.

“Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a Retaliatory Tariff on the U.S., our Reciprocal Tariff will immediately increase by a like amount!” Trump wrote.

Reviving his past rhetoric, Trump once again referred to Justin Trudeau as the "Governor" of Canada, reinforcing his long-standing suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States.

During a press conference, Trudeau dismissed Trump’s remarks and accused the U.S. president of seeking to damage Canada’s economy. According to Trudeau, Trump’s aggressive trade policies could be an attempt to destabilize Canada, making it easier for the U.S. to assert greater control over its northern neighbor.

The escalating trade dispute raises concerns over the economic impact on both nations, with businesses on both sides of the border bracing for potential disruptions in trade and higher costs for consumers.

Source: Al Jazeera