President Donald Trump announced a sharp 10% increase in U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, citing a television advertisement made by Ontario as a “hostile act” against American trade policy. He accused the province of misusing clips of former President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 remarks on tariffs to undermine his administration’s economic stance.
The ad, which aired during the World Series, was created by Ontario’s government and targeted Trump’s tariff strategy. Trump claimed the campaign sought to influence an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case concerning his trade-authority powers, calling it “fraudulent” and un-American. In response, trade negotiations with Canada were abruptly cancelled and the new surcharge announced.
Canadian officials said they were open to resuming dialogue, but warned that higher duties could undermine not only Canadian exporters but also U.S. companies reliant on cross-border supply chains. The escalation raises concerns of a full-scale trade war between the neighboring allies, with auto, energy and agricultural sectors reportedly threatened by the move.