By Muhammad Mamman
Former United States President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a sweeping 100 per cent tariff on Canadian goods, escalating tensions over Ottawa’s expanding trade relationship with China.
Mr Trump issued the warning amid growing concerns in Washington about what he described as Canada’s “deepening economic alignment” with Beijing, which he claims undermines North American trade interests and national security.
According to Mr Trump, any future US administration under his leadership would adopt a hard-line trade stance against allies perceived to be facilitating China’s economic influence. He accused Canada of benefiting from preferential access to the US market while simultaneously strengthening commercial ties with America’s chief global rival.
“Canada cannot have it both ways,” Mr Trump said in remarks shared on social media. “You don’t get open access to the United States while cutting deals that help China at our expense.”
The proposed tariff, if implemented, would mark one of the most severe trade measures ever directed at a close US ally. Analysts warn that such a move could disrupt billions of dollars in cross-border trade, particularly in the automotive, energy and agricultural sectors.
Canadian officials have yet to issue a formal response, though trade experts in Ottawa insist that Canada’s engagement with China remains within international trade rules and does not violate existing agreements with the United States, including the USMCA.
The comments have reignited debate over the future of US-Canada trade relations, especially as Mr Trump intensifies his protectionist rhetoric ahead of the next US election cycle. Observers note that his latest remarks signal a potential return to the aggressive tariff policies that defined his previous presidency.
For now, the threat remains rhetorical, but it has injected fresh uncertainty into North America’s already fragile trade landscape.
