On August 24th, local time, U.S. President Trump posted a message on the ‘Truth Social’ platform, stating that Canada has been imposing high tariffs on American farmers and agricultural products for many years, which has “given Canada an advantage over the United States.” He also mentioned that there is a long-standing trade deficit of $60 billion between the two countries, saying that “this situation is unsustainable and will not continue.”
Trump announced that starting from January 1, 2027, the United States will raise tariffs on all Canadian automobiles, trucks, automotive parts, and steel by 50%. Products manufactured in the United States will be subject to “zero tariffs”.
Trump said, "Canada will no longer be treated as a state of the United States! In terms of trade and other aspects, they are also among the most difficult countries to deal with in the world. They think they have every right to do so, but—we don’t need Canada; it is they who need us! 95% of their business dealings are with the United States, which is the opposite of what happens between us!"
Previously, on August 22, the United States imposed a 50% tariff on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, which accounts for about 5% of Canada’s exports to the US. These goods include wine, dairy products, cement, clothing, ice hockey equipment, and other products.
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau immediately announced that Canada would take reciprocal measures in a “dollar-for-dollar” manner. Starting from September 8, Canada will impose countermeasures tariffs on American steel, dairy products, appliances, and electronic goods. He said, “When you are attacked, you are in a state of war. We have been attacked.”
On the 22nd, Trump wrote an article criticizing Canada, saying, "Canada wants to become a state of the United States, but it refuses to truly become a state! For years, they have imposed substantial tariffs on our great farmers. It's over now!"
