US President Donald Trump has threatened to slap a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if the country strikes a trade deal with China.
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 U.S.A., Trump declared on Truth Social.
It is unclear what deal Trump is referring to in his social media post. Last week, Canada's Prime Minister Carney announced a strategic partnership with China, agreeing to reduce tariffs.
At the time, Trump called the move a good thing but tensions have escalated since Carney's speech at Davos, where he commented on the rupture of the US-led world order.
Carney urged other middle powers to unite against economic coercion by larger countries, indirectly leading to Trump's response that Canada lives because of the United States. Additionally, Trump rescinded an invitation for Canada to join his Board of Peace.
In his recent remarks, he criticized what he perceives as Canada becoming a Drop Off Port for China, responding emphatically to the concerns about Canada's dealings with China.
Canada's trade minister Dominic LeBlanc reiterated that there is no pursuit of a free trade deal with China, emphasizing the government's focus on enhancing Canada’s economy and global trade partnerships.
Under last week's agreement between Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping, China will reduce levies on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15%, while Canada will lower taxes on Chinese EVs to a more favorable rate from 100%.
This deal is perceived as a significant move after years of strained relations, potentially opening doors for increased Chinese investments into Canada.
Carney believes that the recent progress positions Canada favorably in the shifting global economic landscape.
