“We don’t need Canada”: Trump takes aim at Ottawa with 50% tariff threat

US President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel to 50% from January 1, 2027, escalating trade tensions between the two neighbours.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of imposing excessively high tariffs on US farmers and agricultural products, saying this had contributed to what he described as a $60 billion trade deficit between the two countries.

“Not sustainable, and NOT ANYMORE!” Trump wrote, adding that vehicles and steel produced in the United States would face no tariffs.

Trump also criticised Canada more broadly, saying it would “no longer” be treated like a US state in trade and other matters. He argued that Canada relies heavily on the US market, while claiming Washington does not need Canada.

The threat marks a further escalation in Trump's trade policy towards a key US trading partner and comes with more than four months remaining before the proposed tariffs take effect.

Trump said the higher duties would apply to both large and small vehicles, automotive parts and steel, while offering zero tariffs for products built in the United States.

By Aghakazim Guliyev