U.S. President Trump Introduces 35% Tariff on Canadian Imports, Effective Next Month
In a significant announcement made this Thursday, President Donald Trump revealed plans to implement a hefty 35% tariff on all goods imported from Canada, beginning in August 2025. This new tariff escalates the previous 25% rate established earlier this year.
In a communication directed at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump detailed his decision, emphasizing that Canada’s efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis have been inadequate. He noted that, despite the relatively low amounts of fentanyl trafficked from Canada, he remains firm in his stance. “If Canada cooperates in halting the flow of fentanyl, we may consider adjusting these tariffs,” Trump stated, suggesting a potential for change depending on the bilateral relationship.
Earlier this week, Trump also reached out to multiple countries, signaling his intention to impose similar tariffs on their imports starting August 1st.
While the U.S. had previously instituted a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, exemptions were granted to products covered under the 2020 U.S.-Canada-Mexico Trade Agreement. The status of these exemptions as of next month remains ambiguous.
Trump has consistently criticized Canada, expressing a belief that the U.S. could thrive without Canadian imports, even hinting at the idea of annexing Canada as the 51st state. However, Prime Minister Carney and other Canadian officials have firmly dismissed such notions, promoting the idea of collaboration and partnership as mutually beneficial for both nations.