US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that the United States will impose a 35% tariff on imports from Canada starting August 1, warning that the rate could rise if Canada retaliates.
In a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, shared on his social media platform, Trump said the tariff is part of broader trade measures aimed at protecting American industries. He also signaled plans to impose blanket tariffs of 15% or 20% on most other trading partners.
The announcement comes as Trump expands his trade policy to include higher duties on several countries, including allies Japan and South Korea. Earlier this week, the US imposed a 50% tariff on copper imports.
Speaking to NBC News in an interview published Thursday, Trump said not all countries would receive formal notification letters. “We’re just setting our tariffs,” he said, adding that remaining countries would face blanket tariffs, the exact rates of which would be determined soon.
The White House has not provided further details on which products or sectors will be affected beyond the announced rates.
