WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that his administration will impose a 35% tariff on all Canadian imports beginning August 1, escalating tensions between Washington and Ottawa over trade and drug policy.
In a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, the president accused Canada of retaliating with its own tariffs rather than cooperating with the United States.
“Instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own Tariffs,” Trump wrote.
Trump also linked the new measures to Canada’s role in efforts to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States, though U.S. law enforcement has long identified the southern border as the primary entry point for the drug.
“If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” Trump wrote. “These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country.”
This week, Trump has issued similar letters to more than a dozen countries, threatening steep import taxes starting next month.
The U.S. previously imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods but exempted certain products under the 2020 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It remained unclear Thursday whether those exemptions will continue after August 1.
Trump has frequently criticized Canada, claiming the U.S. does not need Canadian products and at times suggesting that Canada should become the 51st American state. Canadian officials, including Carney, have rejected those comments and emphasized the importance of maintaining a cooperative bilateral relationship.
Carney and other Canadian leaders have yet to formally respond to the latest announcement.
