US tariffs: Trump slaps 35% duties on Canadian goods; threatens more in case of retaliation

US President Donald Trump announced a 35 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1. The decision was conveyed in a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday, marking the latest in a string of over 20 similar communications Trump has issued since Monday.The move follows escalating tensions over trade policies, with Trump accusing Canada of retaliatory actions. "It is a Great Honor for me to send you this letter in that it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our Trading Relationship, and the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue working with Canada, despite Canada having financially retaliated against the United States.” Trump said in the letter, shared on his Truth Social platform. “Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a tariff of 35 per cent on Canadian products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs," he further announced.Trump blamed Canada for these measures saying, "As you will recall, the United States imposed Tariffs on Canada to deal with our Nation’s Fentanyl crisis, which is caused, in part, by Canada’s failure to stop the drugs from pouring into our Country. Instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own Tariffs. "Further specifying the terms, the US President also added in his letter addressed to Canada PM Mark Carney, "As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if Canada, or companies within your Country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely — In other words, in a matter of weeks. If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 35% that we charge."The announcement comes amid ongoing negotiations over Trump’s push for “reciprocal” tariffs aimed at reshaping US trade relationships.