Trump 100% tariffs on Canada: A public dispute between US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is straining relations. Trump has threatened a 100% tariff on all Canadian goods if Canada finalizes a trade deal with China. This follows earlier approval from Trump for such a deal. Tensions rose after Carney criticized Trump’s pursuit of Greenland.
Trump 100% tariffs on Canada: A growing war of words between US president Donald Trump and Canadian prime minister Mark Carney is putting fresh strain on the US-Canada relationship, with trade policy and global power dynamics now colliding in public view.
On Saturday, Trump warned that Canada could face a 100% tariff on all goods entering the United States if it moves ahead with a trade deal with China. Writing on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, he said “China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life,” adding that, “If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A,” as quoted by Reuters.
Trump argued that Canada could be used as a conduit for Chinese goods to bypass US tariffs, a scenario he said would trigger immediate retaliation. The US president said, “If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a ‘Drop Off Port’ for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken,” as quoted by Reuters. He again referred to Carney as “Governor,” a title Trump has previously used while suggesting Canada should become the 51st US state.
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The warning comes after a noticeable shift in tone from earlier this month. Following Carney’s visit to China to reset strained relations and finalize a trade deal with Canada’s second-largest trading partner, Trump initially voiced approval. Speaking at the White House on January 16, he said at that time, It’s a good thing for him to sign a trade deal,” adding, “If you can get a deal with China, you should do that,” as quoted by Reuters.
Relations have deteriorated since then, particularly after Carney publicly criticized Trump’s pursuit of Greenland. The dispute has since broadened beyond bilateral trade and into questions about global influence and economic power.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Carney said the era of a rules-based global order had ended and urged so-called “middle powers” to act together to avoid being subjected to economic coercion. While he did not mention Trump or the United States by name, his remarks were met with a standing ovation from global leaders and business executives in attendance.
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Trump responded during his own Davos appearance, saying Canada “lives because of the United States.” However, Carney rejected that characterization days later while speaking in Quebec, saying, “Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security and in rich cultural exchange,” and added that, “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,” as quoted by Reuters.
The rising tension is also reshaping trade expectations. Trump has dismissed the US-Canada-Mexico trade deal, which is set for renegotiation in July, as “irrelevant.”
In August 2025, he raised tariffs on certain Canadian goods to 35%, adding pressure on industries such as metal manufacturing, autos, machinery, steel, copper, and some auto parts. While most Canadian exports remain exempt under the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement, additional tariffs would significantly raise costs for key sectors.
Trump’s latest threat followed his decision to revoke Canada’s invitation to join his proposed “Board of Peace,” an initiative aimed at addressing international conflicts and the future of Gaza. Carney had previously said he planned to join the board, though details were still under discussion, including a $1 billion fee for permanent members.
Why did Trump threaten a 100% tariff on Canada?
He said the tariff would be imposed if Canada proceeds with a trade deal with China.
Did Trump previously support Canada’s China trade deal?
Yes, earlier this month he said it was a good thing for Canada to sign a deal.
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