Trump threatens tariffs on EU over Canada associate membership plan
Trump tariffs on the EU could escalate if Canada joins as an associate member See why the EU-Canada proposal may trigger a trade fight and what happens next
President Donald Trump said he may impose tariffs on the European Union, or even stop trade with the bloc, if it moves ahead with a proposal to make Canada its first associate member. He described the idea as hostile and said he would respond with serious tariffs if he judged it that way.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is opening the door for Canada to deepen its relationship with the bloc. The plan would mark a significant shift for the EU, which has no formal associate membership category under its treaties and would need approval from member states.
The proposal comes as Canada looks to reduce its reliance on the United States after trade talks with Washington deteriorated. Trump has already imposed steep tariffs on Canadian goods, and the EUCanada discussion includes closer cooperation on defense, technology, energy, artificial intelligence, and the Arctic.