Trump Announces 35% Tariff on Canadian Goods, Warns of Possible Adjustments

Kokcha News Agency reports that U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 35% tariff on Canadian goods, stating that this rate could be changed upwards or downwards depending on the nature of the U.S.-Canada relationship. Speaking ahead of the August 1 deadline when numerous tariffs on various countries are set to take effect, Trump issued a direct warning to Canada, which earlier had sought to become the “51st state.”

Trump shared a tariff letter directed at Canada on his social media accounts, describing it as a response to Canada’s actions despite U.S. retaliations. He claimed that the tariffs are part of efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and asserted that if Canada cooperates with efforts to curb fentanyl flow, adjustments to the tariffs might be considered.

He threatened: “If you decide to raise your tariffs for any reason, whatever the increased rate may be, it will be added to our current 35% tariffs.” Trump also emphasized that the U.S. considers the trade deficit, economic security, and even national security threats, underscoring the importance of cooperation.

He continued: “If Canada works with me to stop the fentanyl flow, we might consider making adjustments in this letter. These tariffs can be increased or decreased depending on the relationship between our countries.”

This move underscores ongoing tensions in U.S.-Canada trade relations, with tariffs serving as a tool for leveraging cooperation on critical issues like drug trafficking and economic security.