Trump threatens EU trade over proposed Canada associate membership
Donald Trump has warned of tariffs or reduced trade with the European Union if it proceeds with a proposal to give Canada associate-member status.
US President Donald Trump has criticised a European Union proposal to make Canada the bloc’s first associate member, calling the plan “laughable” and warning that it could trigger a trade response from Washington.
Trump threatened to impose “very serious” or “very heavy” tariffs, or to stop trading with Europe on many goods, if the proposal proceeds. No new tariffs or trade restrictions are reported to have taken effect.
The proposal, reported by France 24 International, could establish a new framework for cooperation between Canada and the EU in technology, defence and energy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Canada could become the bloc’s first associate member.
The precise terms, legal basis and approval process for the proposed status have not been specified. Its feasibility and practical meaning also remain unclear, leaving the arrangement at an early and unsettled stage.
Canada is seeking closer ties with the EU as relations with Washington deteriorate. Trump’s response adds a trade threat to a proposal whose institutional scope has yet to be defined.
