New York [US], January 25: US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose immediate 100% tariffs on all Canadian imports if Ottawa proceeds with a trade agreement with China, warning that such a move could undermine longstanding economic ties between the two neighbours.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump cautioned Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney against the deal, warning of serious consequences and accusing Canada of risking becoming a "back door" for the flow of Chinese goods into the US market.
The escalation comes in response to a preliminary agreement between Canada and China to reduce mutual tariffs, including lower duties on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for eased access for Canadian agricultural exports.
Washington has viewed the move as weakening the existing alliance, particularly amid rising political tensions and Ottawa's efforts to diversify its trade partnerships ahead of the resumption of North American free trade talks.
The warning marks a sharp rise in trade rhetoric and raises concerns over potential disruption to deeply integrated US-Canada economic relations.
Source: Emirates News Agency