Trump Calls Canada ‘Abusive’ in Trade Relations

 

Trump Defends Tariffs, Accuses Canada of Exploiting U.S. Trade Policies

President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for newly imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China while addressing reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday night. He also hinted that the European Union could soon face similar trade restrictions.

The tariffs, enacted through an executive order signed on Saturday, are set to take effect on Tuesday. Under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the U.S. will impose an additional 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on goods from China.

In the order, Trump justified the tariffs by citing what he called an "extraordinary threat" posed by illegal immigration and the influx of drugs—particularly fentanyl—into the country, declaring it a national emergency.

Trump Calls Canada ‘Abusive’ in Trade Relations

The new tariffs have sparked backlash from Canadian and Mexican leaders, with many criticizing the measures as unjustified and harmful to economic relations. Addressing the controversy on Sunday, Trump doubled down on his stance, accusing Canada of exploiting the U.S. in trade agreements.

"Canada has been very abusive toward the United States for many years," Trump asserted. "They block our banks from entering their markets, and they make it incredibly difficult for American businesses to compete."

He also accused Canada of restricting U.S. oil and agricultural imports while benefiting from unrestricted access to American markets.

"They don’t allow our farm products in. They’ve been extremely tough on energy. Meanwhile, we let everything from Canada flow freely into our country—it’s completely one-sided," Trump said.

Trump further claimed that the U.S. subsidizes Canada by approximately $200 billion annually, questioning what benefits America gains from the relationship.

"And for what? What do we get in return? Nothing," he said. "I love the people of Canada, but I strongly disagree with their leadership. Something has to change."

Trump Signals Tariffs on European Union, Criticizes UK

During his remarks, Trump also vowed to impose tariffs on the European Union, arguing that the U.S. has a $300 billion trade deficit with the bloc.

"They don’t accept our cars, they reject our farm products, yet we take in everything they send us—millions of cars, massive amounts of food and agricultural goods," Trump said. "The UK is out of line, but the European Union as a whole is way out of line."

Canada and Mexico Respond

In response to the tariffs, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected Trump’s claim that the Mexican government is linked to criminal organizations. She insisted that Mexico is actively working to prevent fentanyl trafficking and emphasized that any international cooperation must respect Mexican sovereignty.

"Mexico does not want fentanyl to reach the U.S. or anywhere else," Sheinbaum stated. "If the U.S. wants to combat drug trafficking and violence, we must collaborate—under mutual trust and respect for sovereignty, which is non-negotiable."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded by urging Canadians to prioritize locally made products in response to the tariffs.

"Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada," Trudeau posted on X. "Check the labels. Wherever we can, let’s choose Canada."

Trump Criticizes South Africa, Hints at Cutting U.S. Aid

In addition to trade policy, Trump addressed recent developments in South Africa, where President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a controversial land reform measure. Trump suggested that U.S. aid to the country could be reconsidered due to alleged human rights concerns.

"Terrible things are happening in South Africa," Trump stated. "The leadership is making horrific decisions, and we are looking into it very seriously."

His remarks followed a Truth Social post in which he accused South Africa of mistreating certain groups of people.

What’s Next?

With the tariffs set to take effect Tuesday, global markets and trade partners are closely watching for potential economic fallout. The response from Canada, Mexico, and the EU could determine whether these policies escalate into broader trade disputes—or lead to negotiations.