Trump Threatens 35% Tariffs on Canadian Goods, Linking Move to Fentanyl and Dairy Policies
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Former U.S. President and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Canada, threatening to impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods starting August 1. The announcement comes just days before a critical trade deal deadline between the two countries.
Speaking at a rally in Ohio on Thursday, Trump tied the proposed tariffs to a range of grievances, including Canada’s dairy levies and what he described as insufficient efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids across North America.
“Canada needs to get serious about protecting our borders from drugs and stopping their unfair trade practices. If they don’t, starting August 1, there will be a 35% tariff on all Canadian goods entering the United States,” Trump declared to supporters.
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney responded firmly, pledging to defend Canadian workers and industries against what he called “reckless threats.”
“Canada has made significant progress on border security and drug control, and we continue to engage constructively on trade. We will always stand up for Canadian workers and industries,” Carney said during a press conference Friday.
The threat marks the latest in a series of tariff warnings from Trump, who this week alone has targeted over 20 U.S. trade partners with similar ultimatums. Analysts warn that such protectionist measures could trigger retaliatory tariffs and strain diplomatic ties.
Trade experts note that while Canada and the U.S. have enjoyed one of the world’s largest bilateral trading relationships, disputes over dairy, lumber, and steel have flared periodically. Trump’s latest salvo has raised fears of a new trade war that could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for consumers on both sides of the border.
Negotiators from both countries are expected to meet next week in Washington to try to avert the tariff hike and finalize outstanding issues in the trade agreement.
