Trump Imposes 35% Tariff on Canada, Plans Blanket Tariffs Up to 20% on Remaining Nations

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, escalating his sweeping trade offensive ahead of the August 1 implementation date. The move comes as part of what Trump described as a response to “Canada’s retaliation” and ongoing trade barriers, while also signalling plans to impose blanket tariffs of 15% to 20% on remaining US trade partners.

In an official letter posted on Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of failing to cooperate on key issues, particularly the flow of fentanyl into the US and “unfair” trade practices, including high tariffs on US dairy products. He claimed these imbalances posed a threat to US economic and national security interests.

“Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a Tariff of 35% on Canadian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs,” Trump wrote in his letter, while warning Ottawa that any counter-tariffs would be met with matching increases.

Trump also highlighted Canada’s high tariffs on US dairy exports, calling them “extraordinary,” and described the trade deficit as a threat requiring immediate action. “The Trade Deficit is a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security!” he stated.

The new tariff on Canada follows Trump’s ongoing tariff campaign, including a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, a 25% tariff on copper imports, and new duties on multiple countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Trump said these measures are designed to correct “years of unfair tariff and non-tariff policies” that have led to unsustainable trade deficits.

In an interview with NBC News on Thursday, Trump confirmed plans to impose blanket tariffs of 15% to 20% on most trade partners, adding that the European Union and Canada could receive further tariff letters by Friday. “We’re just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether it’s 20% or 15%,” Trump said, noting that the tariffs had been “well-received” by markets as US stocks hit new highs on Thursday.

The tariffs are set against the backdrop of Trump’s efforts to position trade imbalances as a central issue in his economic and foreign policy, emphasising the protection of American industries while offering foreign manufacturers the option to relocate to the US to avoid new tariffs. “We will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely — in a matter of weeks,” Trump added.

The escalation of trade tensions with Canada, one of the US’s largest trading partners, is likely to trigger pushback from Ottawa and could impact industries ranging from automotive to agriculture, as well as North American supply chains.