U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that he will impose an additional 10% tariff on imports from Canada, following the broadcast of an anti-tariff commercial by the province of Ontario, which featured former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
Calling the ad a “hoax”, Trump accused Canadian officials of refusing to remove it ahead of the World Baseball Championship, describing the move as provocative during a delicate phase in trade relations between the two nations.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded that Canada remains committed to “building on the progress made” in trade talks with the United States, but added that the country is also strengthening ties with other international economic partners.
Currently, the U.S. imposes a 35% tariff on most Canadian goods, though many products are exempt under the free trade agreement between the two countries. Additional sector-specific tariffs include 50% on metals and 25% on automobiles.
While in Asia, Trump reiterated his stance, saying he would “raise tariffs on Canada by 10% above the current level,” emphasizing that these duties are “paid by U.S. importers, not Canadian exporters.”
Nearly three-quarters of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. market, with Ontario serving as the nation’s automotive hub.
At the ASEAN Summit, attended by both Trump and Carney, the Canadian leader said he is ready to continue talks with one of Canada’s most important trading partners.
“We remain focused on securing the best possible deal for Canadian workers and families,” Carney stressed.
