Trump Announces Urgent 10% Tariff Hike on Canada Over Ad Criticism
UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced a significant increase in U.S. tariffs on Canada by an additional 10%, a move triggered by the airing of an anti-tariff advertisement by Ontario. The announcement came via Trump’s post on Truth Social on October 28, 2023, during the high-profile World Series Game 1.
In his post, Trump characterized the ad as a “hostile act” against the U.S., stating, “Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the Tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now.” This escalation comes despite Ontario Premier Doug Ford announcing that the controversial advertisement would cease broadcasting starting October 30, 2023.
The advertisement features excerpts from a 1987 radio address by former President Ronald Reagan, where he emphasized that tariffs benefit only temporarily and harm American workers. This messaging has not only drawn the ire of Trump but also escalated trade tensions that have been simmering for months between the two nations.
“Our intention was always to initiate a conversation about the kind of economy that Americans want to build and the impact of tariffs on workers and businesses,” Ford stated via social media on October 27, 2023.
Earlier in the month, Trump had already raised tariffs on Canadian goods to 35% as part of his broader trade strategy, although many products remained exempt under the 2020 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). Ford’s government initiated the advertising campaign to spark a discussion on the economic impacts of such tariffs, aiming to engage U.S. audiences at the highest levels.
Following Trump’s announcement, he claimed Ontario officials had indicated that the ad was to be removed “IMMEDIATELY,” criticizing its airing during a major sporting event as a calculated affront. The ongoing trade war has seen Canada impose 25% retaliatory tariffs on many U.S. products not covered by the USMCA earlier this year.
The stakes are high as both nations look to recalibrate their trading relationship. As tensions rise, eyes are now on the White House for clarity on when this latest tariff increase will take effect and what specific products will be affected. Canadian officials are expected to respond soon, especially following Ford’s commitment to halt the ad campaign.
Keep an eye on this developing story as it unfolds, with potential implications for both American consumers and Canadian businesses. The trade landscape between these neighboring nations is changing rapidly, and the impact could be felt across various sectors.
