WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Canada, threatening to impose sweeping 100 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods if Ottawa moves forward with a trade agreement involving China.
In a post shared Saturday on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said Canada would face severe consequences if it becomes a conduit for Chinese goods entering the United States.
“If Prime Minister Mark Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘drop-off port’ for China to send goods and products into the U.S., he is sorely mistaken,” Trump wrote.
“If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the USA.”
The comments mark a significant escalation in rhetoric as trade tensions rise amid growing global scrutiny of China’s manufacturing dominance and export practices.
Trade tensions already high
Trump’s warning comes as Canada explores broader trade options amid shifting global supply chains and increased pressure to diversify economic partnerships. While Canadian officials have not publicly confirmed the details of any new trade agreement with China, recent discussions around easing tariffs and expanding trade quotas have drawn sharp reactions from Washington.
The former and current U.S. president has repeatedly accused China of exploiting international trade systems and has vowed to block what he calls “backdoor access” to U.S. markets through allied countries.
During his previous term, Trump imposed aggressive tariffs on Chinese imports, triggering a prolonged trade war that reshaped global commerce and supply routes. His latest remarks suggest a similar approach toward close U.S. allies if they are perceived to undermine American trade policy.
Canada’s economic exposure
Canada is one of the United States’ largest trading partners, with hundreds of billions of dollars in goods crossing the border annually. A blanket 100 per cent tariff would have sweeping implications for key Canadian industries, including automotive manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and consumer goods.
Trade experts warn that such tariffs would disrupt integrated North American supply chains built under agreements like the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), potentially raising prices for consumers on both sides of the border.
Political pressure mounts
Trump’s comments also inject new uncertainty into Canada-U.S. relations at a time when cooperation on security, immigration, and economic stability remains critical. The statement places additional pressure on the Canadian government to clarify its trade posture amid an increasingly polarized global trade environment.
So far, Prime Minister Carney’s office has not responded publicly to Trump’s remarks. Canadian officials have previously emphasized the country’s commitment to rules-based trade while maintaining strong economic ties with the United States.
What comes next
It remains unclear whether Trump’s threat reflects an imminent policy decision or a negotiating tactic as discussions around global trade intensify. However, analysts note that Trump has frequently used tariff threats to influence diplomatic and economic outcomes.
The situation is expected to evolve quickly, with further responses anticipated from Canadian officials and U.S. trade representatives in the coming days.
This is a developing story. More details will be reported as they become available.
