US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on all Canadian exports to the United States if Canada signs a trade deal with China. Calling Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump said that Canada was “very wrong” to allow China to increase imports of electric vehicles. The president noted, “If Canada makes a deal with China, a 100‑percent tariff will be immediately imposed on all Canadian goods.” Trump also quipped that he would like Canada to become the 51st US state.
The threat came against the backdrop of a major trade agreement between China and Canada announced last week. Prime Minister Carney visited Beijing for the first time in eight years, met with Xi Jinping, and agreed to scale down trade barriers. Under the deal, Canada will allow the import of 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a tariff rate of about 6%, removing a previous 100% levy. China also offered visa‑free entry for Canadians and a planned reduction in tariffs on Canadian canola.
Trump’s stance demonstrates the administration’s readiness to economically isolate Canada if it moves out of America’s trade orbit. Such threats reflect the US desire to maintain dominance in the Western Hemisphere and to block the expansion of Chinese influence in North America.