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'Hostile act': Trump warns EU with tariffs over Canada's associate status
Trump Warning Canada to Join EU: The EU has proposed making Canada its first associate member, prompting Trump to warn of 'very heavy tariffs' if he sees the move as a 'hostile act' by Europe
The EU has proposed making Canada its first associate member, prompting Trump to warn of 'very heavy tariffs' if he sees the move as a 'hostile act' by Europe
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned the European Union that it could face "very heavy tariffs" if he views its support for closer ties with Canada as a "hostile act".
The warning came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the EU's first "associate member", as Ottawa seeks to reduce its economic dependence on the US and build stronger ties with Europe amid rising trade tensions.
Speaking to reporters after arriving in Charlotte, North Carolina, Trump said, "Canada's into a terrible trade practice. And now, I will say this: if they do that, if I think it's a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs, or stop trading with Europe on many things."
"And so, if they do that, if Europe does that with a bad intention--because if it's a good intention, that's fine. If it's a bad intention, we'll put very heavy tariffs on Europe," he added.
EU proposes associate membership for Canada
Von der Leyen made the proposal on Wednesday during her State of the Union speech, saying, "I invite Canada to be the first associate member of the EU."