Donald Trump called Canada “one of the worst countries” to deal with, accusing Ottawa of treating the U.S. unfairly and imposing tariffs of “400% and more” on some American farm goods. The remarks come as Ottawa seeks closer European ties amid an escalating trade dispute.
Trump said Canada wants a trade agreement and predicted it would ask Washington within three or four weeks to remove all tariffs. The dispute involves tariffs covering tens of billions of dollars in cross-border trade, and Trump has threatened additional duties on Canadian cars and other goods.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has described Canada's goal as a “unique alliance” with the EU, not full membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that Canada become the bloc's first associate member, a status that does not exist under current EU law; French President Emmanuel Macron backed closer ties. Discussions include energy, AI, defense and critical minerals. CETA trade in goods and services reached about €130 billion in 2025, up from €72.1 billion in 2016. Ottawa says a February agreement gives Canadian defense firms access to the EU's €150 billion SAFE procurement program.
