Trump Hits Canada with Tariffs (Again) | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G What happens when trade becomes a weapon? In 2025, Donald Trump pulls the lever—and the global economy spirals. A 35% tariff on Canada, new levies on Asia, and a flood of retaliation threats. Countries are scrambling—some begging, some bluffing. But is this about trade—or control? Palki Sharma tells you. — Trump Tariffs | Canada | Donald Trump | US Canada Relations | Mark Carney | Firstpost | World News | News Live | Vantage | Palki Sharma | News #trumptariffs #canada #donaldtrump #uscanada #markcarney #firstpost #vantageonfirstpost #palkisharma #worldnews
Trump Hits Canada with Tariffs (Again)
In a move reminiscent of the early days of his presidency, Donald Trump has once again turned his attention northward, reviving a familiar trade battle by slapping tariffs on Canadian goods. The former president, currently running a highly energized 2024 campaign, announced a fresh wave of tariffs on Canadian aluminum, steel, and lumber — a decision that has sparked sharp criticism both domestically and abroad.
The justification? Trump claims Canada is engaging in “unfair trade practices” that are “destroying American jobs,” echoing the same rhetoric he used during his first term. According to Trump, Canadian producers are flooding the U.S. market with underpriced goods, undercutting American manufacturers and threatening national security. “Canada is not playing fair,” Trump declared during a campaign rally in Michigan. “If we don’t stand up for American workers, nobody will.”
The Canadian government, unsurprisingly, has reacted with outrage. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the tariffs as “unwarranted, regressive, and damaging to both economies.” In an emergency press conference, Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs on a variety of U.S. exports, including agricultural products, household goods, and even motorcycles. “We will always defend our industries and workers,” Trudeau said firmly. “These actions are a step backward in a relationship that should be focused on cooperation, not confrontation.”
This latest trade clash threatens to destabilize an already fragile North American economic landscape. U.S.-Canada trade relations had been relatively smooth since the renegotiation of NAFTA into the USMCA in 2020. But with Trump back on the offensive, many fear the return of uncertainty, market volatility, and diplomatic strain.
Economists warn that renewed tariff battles could have ripple effects far beyond the targeted industries. The lumber tariffs, in particular, may drive up housing costs in the U.S., a sector already under pressure due to inflation and interest rate hikes. Similarly, aluminum and steel tariffs could hurt U.S. manufacturers that rely on Canadian imports for auto production, construction, and packaging.
“Tariffs are a tax on American consumers and businesses,” said Carla Ramos, a trade policy analyst with the Brookings Institution. “While they’re framed as a patriotic defense mechanism, the reality is that they disrupt supply chains, increase prices, and strain relationships with key allies.”
Political analysts believe Trump’s tariff announcement is as much about campaign optics as economic strategy. With a base that responds well to protectionist messaging, Trump is doubling down on his “America First” brand to contrast himself with President Biden’s more cooperative global trade stance. His decision to target Canada — a familiar foe in Trump’s trade wars — is a calculated move to stir nationalist sentiment and shore up support in swing states.
However, critics argue that Trump is jeopardizing long-term economic stability for short-term political gains. “We’ve been down this road before,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “These tariffs didn’t work the first time, and they won’t work now. They hurt American workers more than they help.”
As the tariff war heats up once again, both nations brace for economic consequences and political fallout. Whether this move strengthens Trump’s position or isolates the U.S. further remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: the trade drama between Washington and Ottawa is far from over.
