Trump threatens tariffs on Europe over proposed EU associate membership for Canada
President Trump has threatened heavy tariffs or a halt to U.S. trade with Europe if he considers a proposal for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union a hostile act. He called the prospect “laughable” and described Canada as a “terrible trade partner.”
Trump made the comments to reporters in North Carolina on Wednesday after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening the door to Canada becoming the bloc’s first associate member.
“I think it’s laughable. Canada is a terrible trade partner,” Trump said. “If they do that, if I think it’s at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe. If it’s a good intention, that’s fine. If it’s a bad intention, we’ll put very heavy tariffs on Europe.”
Von der Leyen introduced the proposal during her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, where Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was in attendance. She did not explain what associate membership would involve.
“I said we must urgently reimagine our partnerships. So, I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU,” she said.
Von der Leyen said new partnerships were needed in “an openly hostile world,” pointing to shared positions on Ukraine, defense, climate change, technology and supply chains. “But above all … Europe and Canada believe in democracy,” she said.
Carney met with von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Strasbourg. His office said they discussed expanding cooperation on critical minerals, energy, defense, research and advanced technologies.
“In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada is forging stronger relationships with trusted partners to build greater strategic autonomy, resilience, and sovereignty,” the Canadian statement said.
U.S.-Canada trade negotiations broke down late last month after final-hour talks failed over disagreements about independent Canadian policies and auto tariffs. The Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including steel, autos, lumber, furniture and alcohol.
Carney said he had walked away from a “bad deal” and imposed dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs of 15% to 50% on approximately $20 billion worth of U.S. goods. He said the historic alliance had fundamentally changed and that the two countries would not return to their previous relationship.
Trump threatens to cut off trade with Europe if Canada becomes an associate member of the EU. pic.twitter.com/cw5L68Vxrm
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 16, 2026
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
