President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with “very serious tariffs” or restrictions on trade if he determines that a proposal to make Canada the bloc’s first associate member represents a hostile move against the United States.
Trump made the warning on Wednesday while speaking to reporters, describing the proposal as “laughable” and saying Washington could respond depending on the intentions behind the EU initiative.
Donald Trump Questions EU-Canada Alliance
Donald Trump said the United States could impose heavy tariffs on Europe or stop trading with the bloc on certain goods if he believes the proposed arrangement with Canada is designed with bad intentions.
The warning comes as Canada and the EU seek to deepen economic and strategic cooperation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening the door for Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member,” although the precise structure and legal status of such an arrangement have yet to be established.
Donald Trump Warns of Wider Trade Consequences
Donald Trump’s threat adds another layer to already strained relations between Washington and Ottawa and comes amid continuing trade disputes involving the United States, Canada and Europe.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the prospect of closer EU ties, saying Canada and Europe are stronger together. European Commission officials, meanwhile, have said the proposed partnership is not directed against the United States but is intended to strengthen cooperation between Canada and Europe.
The proposal would need further negotiations and approval from EU member states before any new associate-member arrangement could take effect. European officials have also acknowledged that the precise framework has yet to be worked out.
For OGM News, Donald Trump’s latest warning puts the Canada-EU proposal at the centre of another potential transatlantic trade dispute, with tariffs and broader restrictions now hanging over an alliance that Brussels says is designed to strengthen cooperation rather than confront Washington.
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