DID Press: US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could impose “very heavy” tariffs on European goods or halt trade with the European Union in several areas if Canada becomes an associate member of the bloc.
Speaking to reporters in Charlotte, North Carolina, Trump said the U.S. response would depend on the intentions behind the proposed arrangement. He described the move as potentially “hostile” and said Washington could impose substantial tariffs or stop trading with Europe in “many things” if it viewed the decision negatively.
The remarks followed a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on September 16 for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member. Von der Leyen made the proposal during her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in attendance.
The proposed status does not currently exist under EU law. Details of what associate membership would entail have yet to be determined, but von der Leyen said the arrangement could deepen cooperation with Canada in areas including technology, defence, energy and critical raw materials.
The Wall Street Journal had reported on September 12 that Carney was exploring the possibility of an associate relationship with the EU. Carney has previously described Canada’s objective as establishing a “unique alliance” with the bloc without seeking full EU membership.
The European Commission’s proposal now requires further consideration by EU member states and other institutions. Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament on Thursday, September 17.