Hold onto your maple syrup, folks! 🇺🇸 U.S. President Donald Trump just announced a 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1 – a sharp jump from the current 25%. The move throws cold water on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to finalize a trade pact with Washington, sparking fears of a cross-border showdown. 🚨
What’s in the Tariff Blitz?
Trump’s late-night social media post accused Canada of “hurting U.S. dairy farmers” and allowing fentanyl to flow across the border – claims Canadian officials call “wildly exaggerated.” 🇨🇦 While goods under the USMCA trade deal might dodge the hike, energy and fertilizer tariffs remain at 10%… for now.
Carney Fires Back
In a swift X post, Carney vowed to “defend Canadian workers” and keep negotiating until the August 1 deadline. The two leaders had earlier agreed to a 30-day deal window, but tensions are rising faster than a Tim Hortons’ coffee order. ☕️
Global Trade Domino Effect 🌐
This isn’t just a North American drama. Trump also plans 15-20% blanket tariffs on most trading partners, including allies like Japan and South Korea. Copper imports? Those get a whopping 50% tax. Analysts warn the moves could reignite global trade wars – bad news for markets already on edge. 📉
Will Canada retaliate? Stay tuned as this trade rollercoaster gets wilder than a hockey playoff. 🏒
Reference(s):
Trump says U.S. to impose 35% tariffs on Canada starting August 1
cgtn.com