Trump to slap Canada with 35% tariff, eyes higher rates for other trading partners
Canada announcement comes as Trump considers imposing blanket tariffs of 15 per cent to 20 per cent on most other countries
US President Donald Trump said he would slap a 35 per cent tariff on many goods coming from Canada, marking a dramatic escalation of trade tensions with America’s closest neighbour and long-term ally.
In a pointed letter addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and shared on his social media account Thursday, Trump argued that “instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own Tariffs”.
“Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a Tariff of 35% on Canadian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs,” he added.
Early reports, however, suggested the import tax was not absolute, with carve-outs for the auto industry, which is highly integrated with US factories and employment, among others.
The tariff announcement quickly drew a response from the Canadian leader. In a post on X late Thursday, Carney said: “Throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended our workers and businesses. We will continue to do so as we work towards the revised deadline of August 1”.