Canada vows to keep tariffs in place until Trump commits to free and fair trade, escalating tensions.
Trump doubles tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50%, sparking outrage and calls for retaliation.
Canada prepares $30 billion in retaliatory tariffs, while opposition leaders demand a matching 50% tariff on U.S. goods.
Incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed Tuesday to keep tariffs in place against the U.S. until President Donald Trump commits to free and fair trade, escalating tensions between the two nations.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸🇨🇦 Canadian PM Mark Carney vows to keep U.S. tariffs until Americans "show some respect," aiming for "maximum impact" pic.twitter.com/1sXXztKIQV
Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50% has sparked outrage in Canada. Carney called it an attack on Canadian workers and businesses, pledging that his administration would ensure Canada’s retaliation hits the U.S. hard while protecting Canadian industries.
“My government will keep our tariffs in place until the Americans show us respect and commit to fair trade,” Carney stated.
Trump’s Threats and Unorthodox Proposal
Trump, unfazed by market turmoil and rising recession fears, blamed Canada’s electricity pricing as the reason for the tariffs. He also made a bizarre suggestion that Canada should simply become the 51st state of the U.S. to resolve trade disputes.
“The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty-First State,” Trump posted on social media.
Canada’s Counterattack: $30 Billion in Tariffs
Canadian officials are preparing retaliatory tariffs targeting $30 billion worth of U.S. goods, including orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, appliances, cosmetics, and motorcycles.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized Trump’s trade war, warning that if a recession hits, it will be Trump’s recession.
“If we go into a recession, it’s self-made by one person—President Trump,” Ford said on MSNBC.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre called Trump’s move a betrayal of U.S.-Canada relations, demanding that Canada match Trump’s 50% tariffs on American steel and aluminum.
“We are a strong, proud, and sovereign country, and we will fight back against these attacks on our economy and workers,” Poilievre said.
What’s Next in the Trade War?
With both sides digging in, tensions between Canada and the U.S. are at a breaking point. Carney’s tough stance signals that Canada is not backing down, and Trump’s unpredictable trade policies suggest more volatility ahead for global markets.
