Trump threatens imposing ‘large’ tariffs on Canada, European Union

President Donald Trump is once again turning up the heat on Canada and the European Union (EU), warning he will impose “large scale” tariffs on both countries if they cooperate in any move that damages American economic interests.

Trump posted to his Truth Social platform early Thursday morning.

“If the European Union works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA, large scale Tariffs, far larger than currently planned, will be placed on them both,” wrote Trump.

This threat comes on the heels of Trump’s recent executive order imposing 25% tariffs on all foreign-made cars and light trucks, set to take effect on April 2.

Already, the US has slapped a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, plus additional duties on steel, aluminum, and even a 10% charge on Canadian energy imports. 

Trump also confirmed plans for global “reciprocal” tariffs, set to begin the same day, which will affect all foreign imports, including those from Canada.

In response, Ottawa announced counter-tariffs on nearly $60 billion worth of US products. 

Those measures were designed to hit back at US penalties on Canadian goods, as well as a second round of tariffs targeting steel and aluminum exports.

Prime Minister Mark Carney returned to Ottawa for an urgent cabinet meeting. 

Although Carney and his ministers are actively seeking re-election, they continue to function under the caretaker convention, which permits essential decision-making during the campaign but requires leaders to keep actions routine, non-controversial, or agreed to by opposition parties.

Carney was set to travel to Quebec City for a campaign stop but postponed his trip. 

Carney now faces the delicate task of balancing campaign commitments while addressing the trade war with the US.

A dispute that could escalate in the coming days if tensions remain high.