Trump defends 50% tariffs on Canada, saying ‘they need us to survive’
President Trump has announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods, asserting that Canada is economically dependent on the United States. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to intensify negotiations to resolve the trade dispute before the tariffs take effect next month.
Why it matters
This move signals a significant escalation in trade tensions between the US and its largest trading partner, potentially disrupting supply chains and the USMCA agreement.
Donald Trump meets with the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, in the Oval Office of the White House on 6 May 2025./Getty Images Donald Trump meets with the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, in the Oval Office of the White House on 6 May 2025./Getty Images US news Trump defends 50% tariffs on Canada, saying ‘they need us to survive’ Mark Carney says Canada is ‘united’ in face of threats as leaders agree to talk before tariffs take effect next month
Prefer the Guardian on Google Donald Trump has defended his new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, claiming the country cannot survive without the US.
The White House announced the sweeping round of import duties – due to come into effect next month – on Monday, igniting fresh tensions between Washington and Ottawa.
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