Trump: 'Time to teach Canada you can't do this anymore' - Reuters

**Trump Warns Canada Over Trade Practices, Escalates Tariff Threats**

Washington – In a blunt statement that has heightened tensions in the North American trade corridor, former President Donald J. Trump told reporters that “it’s time to teach Canada you can’t do this anymore,” referring to what he described as unfair subsidies and market‑distorting policies by the Canadian government. The comment, made during a press briefing in New York, was accompanied by a warning that the United States could impose “even higher tariffs” on a range of Canadian goods if Washington’s concerns are not addressed. Trump’s remarks echo his administration’s earlier grievances over Canada’s auto‑industry subsidies, which he has repeatedly framed as a violation of the United States‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The threat has already manifested in concrete policy moves. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a doubling of tariffs on a suite of Canadian products, including automobiles, steel, and aluminum, raising duties from 5 % to 10 % on many items. Automakers that had been negotiating a tentative trade deal with Canadian manufacturers were caught off‑guard, fearing the higher costs could erode profit margins and disrupt supply chains that span the border. In response, Canadian businesses and consumer groups have launched a coordinated boycott of U.S. brands, from electronics to fast‑food chains, signaling a growing public backlash against what many view as punitive American measures.

Canadian officials, led by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, have urged Washington to return to the negotiating table rather than pursue a “full‑blown trade war” that could damage both economies. The Canadian Bad Cop, a senior trade negotiator, warned that escalating tariffs would hurt Canadian workers and could prompt retaliatory measures, potentially dragging the United States into a costly dispute. Economists cited by *The Economist* note that a prolonged conflict would undermine the benefits of the USMCA, raise consumer prices on both sides of the border, and threaten the stability of the broader North American supply chain. As the diplomatic deadlock continues, markets are watching closely for any sign of de‑escalation or further punitive steps.