US to Raise Tariffs on Canada to 50 Percent

US President Donald Trump announced that customs duties on automobiles, trucks, automotive parts, and steel imported from Canada will be increased to 50 percent starting next year. Trump provided information on the matter via his social media account. In his post, claiming that Canada has been "ripping them off" for years, Trump stated that the 60 billion dollar deficit between the two countries is unsustainable and that this will no longer continue.

Trump said, "On January 1, 2027, tariffs on all cars, large or small trucks, auto parts, and steel will be increased to 50 percent. Build in the US, pay zero tariffs. Canada will no longer be treated as if it were a state."

Stating that Canada is among the most difficult countries to do business with in trade and other areas, Trump used the following expressions: "They view themselves as privileged, whereas we do not need Canada, they need us. They do 95 percent of their trade with the US, while the exact opposite is true for us."

Canadians had organized a protest on Sunday against Trump's statements targeting the country.

Following the US move to apply a 50 percent customs duty on many products towards Canada, an agreement could not be reached in the trade negotiations conducted last week.