Trump calls Canada 51st state again amid trade war
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has once again called Canada the 51st state of the US amid a trade dispute. He accused Canada of seeking the benefits of being a state without actually becoming one. "Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!!" he wrote on Truth Social.
Trade tensions
Breakdown of US-Canada trade talks leads to tariffs
The remarks come after US-Canada trade negotiations broke down, leading to the imposition of 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods.
The tariffs will impact around 5.5% of Canada's annual exports to the US.
The move has triggered a retaliatory response from Canada, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing matching tariffs on US steel, dairy and electronics industries effective September 8.
Retaliation announced
Carney vows to protect Canadian workers
Carney said, "Canada will match Washington's new tariffs dollar for dollar to protect Canadian workers, farmers, families, and businesses."
He also promised to build new trade and military alliances despite Canada's heavy reliance on the US for exports, which is nearly 70%.
The Canadian PM criticized recent US demands as "uneconomic" and "unfair," which undermined Canada's benefits from any potential deal.
Negotiation breakdown
Quebec culture threatened by US negotiators, says Carney
Carney also slammed US negotiators for making unacceptable "threats" to the French language and "Quebec culture."
The trade tensions between the two countries have reached an all-time high as both sides remain firm on their stances.
Despite Trump's earlier hopes for a deal with Canada, these developments have only escalated the conflict.