Trump says he will impose higher tariffs on more Canadian products

Aug. 24 (UPI) — U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he will impose higher tariffs on more Canadian products starting Jan. 1, a threat that comes several days after talks between the two countries collapsed.

After Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney walked away from the negotiations, a 50% tariff on many Canadian goods (including hockey sticks, beer, cheese and cement) went into effect early Saturday. Carney said the United States made “unacceptable” demands and Canada would match those tariffs “dollar for dollar to protect our workers and businesses” starting Sept. 8.

On Sunday, Trump accused Canada of wanting “the benefits of a state without being one” and claimed that it has charged “m***ive amounts of tariffs” on the United States. Trump has previously talked about the country becoming the 51st state, an idea Canadian leaders have repeatedly rejected.

The U.S. president ripped Canada in social media posts Monday, claiming that the United States has a $60 billion trade deficit with Canada. It’s $48 million, and most economists say bilateral trade deficits are of little economic importance, The Washington Post reported.

Trump said that as of Jan. 1, tariffs on all cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel from Canada would be increased to 50% as well. He said Canada is “among the worst Nations in the World to deal with.”

“WE DON’T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US!” he posted.

Several hours later, the U.S. president took to social media again to attack the country’s northern neighbor and its leaders.

“America has been carrying Canada for decades, but no longer!” he wrote. “The U.S.A. will also be far bigger, richer and stronger than Canada. Without the United States, Canada couldn’t survive.”