Trump Doubles Auto Tariffs on Canada; Ottawa Vows Retaliation
US President Donald Trump announced a doubling of tariffs on Canadian vehicles, effective January 1, raising duties on cars, trucks, auto parts, and steel to 50 percent. Trump cited Canada's alleged unfair trade practices as justification for the escalation. The new measures follow failed negotiations over the weekend, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowing "dollar for dollar" retaliation targeting US steel and dairy industries. Trump also renewed his call for Canada to become the 51st US state, accusing Ottawa of wanting benefits without statehood. The tariffs affect roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods, including hockey sticks, wine, and cement, marking the first time Washington has targeted products under the USMCA trade agreement. Carney called the US demands "unfair" and "economically nonsensical," while Ontario Governor Doug Ford stated Trump cannot be trusted.