Donald Trump steps up his rhetoric against Canada, accusing it of "robbing" the US

Donald Trump again hardened his stance on Monday towards Canada, with which he is locked in a trade stand-off, threatening, among other things, tariffs on steel and cars. “Canada has been fleecing the United States of America for years,” the US President asserted on his Truth Social platform.

The US President also stated that, from January 1, 2027, “all cars, lorries- large and small- automotive parts and steel will see tariffs raised to 50%,” even though Canadian steel entering the US is already subject to duties of up to 50%.
The situation is being closely watched by US textile and clothing industry stakeholders. Last year, the US imported $1.1 billion worth of goods from Canada, making it the country’s 20th-largest supplier.

Further sanctions against Canadian textiles could therefore have significant consequences for many retailers, already hit by the trade wars launched by Washington in 2025 and by the knock-on effects of the conflict with Iran.