On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the European Union and Canada could face significantly higher tariffs if they collaborate “to harm the U.S. economy.”
In a post on Truth Social, he stated, “If the EU and Canada join forces to harm the U.S. economically, we will impose large-scale tariffs, much higher than those currently planned, to protect the best ally that both nations have ever had.”
Trump’s remarks came after he revealed a 25% tariff on imported vehicles on Wednesday, escalating a global trade dispute and drawing criticism from U.S. allies, who have now threatened retaliation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the move “bad for businesses and worse for consumers,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney referred to the tariffs as a “direct attack” on Canadian workers, signaling that retaliatory actions were under consideration.
These new tariffs on cars and light trucks are set to take effect on April 3, one day after Trump is expected to announce countermeasures against countries contributing significantly to the U.S. trade deficit. The levies will be added to existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and goods from Mexico, Canada, and China.
The EU has announced plans to delay its initial countermeasures, which include a 50% tariff on U.S. bourbon, until mid-April. In response, Trump has threatened to impose a 200% tariff on all wines and other alcoholic beverages from the EU if these measures are implemented.
