US President Donald Trump’s has warned Canada that he would impose a 100 percent tariff on all Canadian goods if Ottawa concludes a trade deal with China.
Tensions between the United States and Canada have escalated since Trump returned to the White House a year ago, with disputes over trade and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s warnings of a “rupture” in the U.S.-led global order.
During a recent visit to Beijing, Carney described a “new strategic partnership” with China, which led to a “preliminary but landmark trade agreement” aimed at reducing tariffs.
Trump, however, cautioned that there would be severe consequences if the deal goes through.
“If Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘drop-off port’ for China to send goods into the United States, he is sorely mistaken,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life.
“If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% tariff against all Canadian goods coming into the USA.”
The exchange follows sharp rhetoric between the two leaders. Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos highlighted the “rupture” in global order, widely seen as a critique of Trump’s foreign policy.
In response, Trump withdrew Carney’s invitation to join his self-styled “Board of Peace,” a body intended to address global conflicts.
Canada remains heavily dependent on trade with the United States, with over three-quarters of Canadian exports going to its southern neighbour. Key industries such as automotive, aluminum, and steel have already been affected by U.S. tariffs, though broader free-trade agreements have so far mitigated the impact.
The trade dispute adds to ongoing tensions between the two countries, which are also preparing to co-host the World Cup later this year along with Mexico.