Trump threatens 50% tariffs on all cars and trucks amid Canada trade spat

U.S. tariffs on ‌all ​cars and trucks, automotive parts and steel will be increased to 50% starting January 1, 2027, President Donald Trump ‌said in a social post on Monday after trade talks with Canada collapsedover the weekend. "Build in the U.S. and there are ZERO TARIFFS. Canada will be treated like a ‌State no longer!" Trump wrote.

"On Trade, and in other ways, also, ‌they are among the worst Nations in the World to deal with. They feel entitled, and yet, WE DON’T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US!" The White House did not immediately respond to a ⁠request ​for comment seeking more ⁠details on the threatened tariffs. Representatives for the Canadian government also did not immediately respond to a ⁠request for comment.

The two countries failed to reach a trade deal late on Friday, with ​each side blaming the other as Canada readied tariffs on some U.S. goods ⁠in retaliation for 50% levies ordered by Trump on other Canadian products. Major automakers did not immediately ⁠comment ​on Trump's announcement.

But auto executives, speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, raised skepticism about Trump's threat, noting the president has previously announced large tariffs ⁠that never materialized and that any tariff of that size would likely spark a massive ⁠Canadian retaliation. They ⁠also noted January was months away following November's midterm elections and that Trump's threat could aimed at restarting talks.