Trump made this statement on social media, indicating that if Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney believes he can make the country a "dumping ground" for China, he is mistaken. This week, Canada signed an agreement to reduce tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for lowering taxes on Canadian agricultural products. Initially, Trump expressed approval of this deal, stating that it was the "right move" for Carney.
Canadian Minister of Trade Dominic LeBlanc noted that Canada and China resolved several key trade issues, but they do not intend to enter into a free trade agreement.
Trump's threat came during a period of escalating conflict with Carney. At a recent economic forum in Davos, Trump stated that "Canada exists because of the United States." In response, Carney said that Canada does not live thanks to the U.S., but thrives because of its people.
After that, Trump rescinded the invitation for Carney to join his "Council for Peace," created to address global conflicts.
Trump has repeatedly questioned Canada's independence, suggesting it consider joining as the 51st state of the U.S. This week, he published a modified map showing Canada, Venezuela, Greenland, and Cuba as part of U.S. territory.
On Saturday, Trump continued to refer to Carney as "governor," a title he also applied to his predecessor Justin Trudeau.
Carney is calling on world nations to unite against the U.S. under Trump. At the forum in Davos, he emphasized that "middle powers must act together, or they will find themselves on the menu," warning against pressure from great powers. The Prime Minister also noted that the rift between the U.S. and its Western allies under Trump could become irreversible.
On the same day, Trump stated on the social media platform Truth Social that "China will completely swallow Canada, destroying its business and public order." He also added that "the world does not need China to take over Canada, and that will not happen."
So far, Carney has been unable to negotiate with Trump on reducing tariffs that have been imposed on key sectors of the Canadian economy. Canada is protected from the most severe consequences of tariffs due to an agreement with the U.S. and Mexico, which will be reviewed this year.
Canada is a major trading partner for 36 U.S. states, with a daily trade volume exceeding 3.6 billion Canadian dollars. About 60% of crude oil imported into the U.S. comes from Canada, as does 85% of electricity.
