Trump Threatens Tariffs Over EU Plan to Make Canada an Associate Member

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose major tariffs on Europe if the European Union (EU) moves ahead with plans to make Canada its first “associate member.”

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (September 16), Trump said the EU could face “very large tariffs” if he considers the move hostile to the United States. He also suggested that trade with Europe could be halted in some areas.

Tensions between the US and Canada have recently increased amid trade disputes. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed interest in building a closer partnership with the EU.

Following Carney’s proposal, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was opening its “doors” to Canada, with potential cooperation in technology, defence, energy, AI and economic security. Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament on Thursday (September 17).