US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports if Ottawa proceeds with its trade deal with China, intensifying tensions between North America and Beijing.
In a Truth Social post, Trump lambasted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying that if he “thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken.”
“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,” Trump warned.
The Canadian government has sought to reduce its dependence on the US by forging a “landmark deal” with China under a “new strategic partnership.” Carney described the agreement as preliminary but significant, aimed at removing trade barriers and reducing tariffs.
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Under the deal, China, which had previously been Canada’s largest market for canola seed, will lower tariffs on canola products from 84 per cent to approximately 15 per cent by March 1. The agreement also allows Canadian visitors to enter China visa-free. In return, Canada will import 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles under preferential tariffs of 6.1 per cent.
The Canada-China relationship had already soured following Canada’s arrest of Huawei founder Meng Wanzhou’s daughter on a US warrant. In retaliation, China detained two Canadian citizens on espionage charges.
Trump’s warning underscores the friction between the United States, Canada, and China over trade and strategic influence. The move highlights the challenge for Ottawa in balancing economic engagement with Beijing while managing a historically close trade and security relationship with Washington.
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