
Trump's decision to tariff Canada is a complex issue, but at its core, it's about trade and economics. The US has been running a trade deficit with Canada for years, meaning the US imports more goods from Canada than it exports.
The US has also been trying to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico. Trump has been critical of NAFTA, calling it a bad deal for the US. The US has been seeking changes to the agreement, including stricter rules of origin and more protection for American industries.
The tariffs imposed on Canada are a form of protectionism, aimed at protecting American industries from foreign competition. The tariffs have sparked a trade war between the US and Canada, with Canada retaliating with its own tariffs on US goods.
Trump's Tariff Policy
Trump's tariff policy is a complex issue, but let's break it down. The tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China are a result of the US's trade deficit, which stands at about $60 billion annually.

The US needs something from Canada, particularly energy purchases, which are responsible for the deficit. This is a significant amount of money, and the US government is trying to address it.
Experts say the US can no longer be trusted by Canada, a sentiment that has been spreading rapidly across the country in recent months. This reflects the damage caused by Trump's attacks on Canada, which are long-lasting and substantial.
The tariffs on steel and aluminum imports kicked in, and Canada retaliated, showing the depth of the issue. The US's actions have caused a mix of shock, confusion, and anger among Canadians.
The US's trade policies and expansionist ambitions have led to Trump's repeated attacks on Canada. He has imposed steep tariffs on Canadian goods and threatened more, causing significant damage to the relationship.
The question remains, why is Trump targeting a country that was once considered a reliable partner? The answer is unclear, but it's clear that the relationship between the two countries is strained.
Targeting Key Trade Partners

Canada is just the closest target for Trump's tariffs, according to Aaron Ettinger, a political science professor at Carleton University in Ottawa. He notes that Trump has a history of pursuing "America First" economic policies, including imposing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports in 2018.
Trump treats all countries as if they are subordinates to his wishes, Ettinger said. He loves their leaders when they play along, and he doesn't when they don't. This approach has led to the current trade war with Canada, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other's goods.
The Canadian government has imposed retaliatory tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American goods, further stoking Trump's ire.
Tariffs on Vehicles
The US has imposed tariffs on vehicles imported from Canada and Mexico, two of its key trade partners. The tariffs are part of a broader trade strategy aimed at reducing the trade deficit with these countries.

Canada is a significant supplier of energy to the US, with energy purchases accounting for a large portion of the annual trade deficit of about $60 billion. The trade deficit with Canada is a major factor in the US's trade strategy.
The tariffs on vehicles from Canada and Mexico are likely to have a significant impact on the automotive industry in these countries. The US imports a large number of vehicles from these countries each year.
Closest Target
Canada is considered the closest target among Trump's trade policies, according to Aaron Ettinger, a political science professor at Carleton University in Ottawa.
The US president has pursued similar "America First" economic policies in the past, including imposing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports in 2018.
Trump treats all countries as if they are subordinates to his wishes, and Canada just happens to be the closest one to him.
Canada's retaliatory tariffs on American goods have further stoked Trump's ire, and the Canadian government has said the measures will remain in place until the US president rescinds and removes the threat of levies.
Trump's focus on Canada goes beyond tariffs and economic policy alone, as he has repeatedly referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a "governor" instead of a prime minister.
Tariffs on Other Countries

The US imposed a 25% tariff on steel imports from the European Union, Canada, and Mexico in May 2018.
The tariffs were implemented to protect US steel producers from what the administration saw as unfair trade practices.
China's 15% tariff on US soybean imports has significantly impacted US farmers, with some estimating losses of up to $4.5 billion.
In 2019, the US imposed a 10% tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, including electronics and furniture.
The US and EU have a long history of trade disputes, with the EU imposing a 25% tariff on US bourbon imports in response to US tariffs on EU steel and aluminum.
Announcements and Impositions
Trump's tariffs on Canada mean a significant impact on the US trade deficit. The annual trade deficit with Canada is around $60 billion, a substantial figure that reflects the country's reliance on energy imports from Canada.
This trade deficit is largely driven by US energy purchases from Canada, which is a major contributor to the imbalance. The US clearly needs something from Canada, and energy is a big part of that.
Tariffs on Steel and Aluminium

The United States imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, which could impact American consumers and businesses.
The tariffs are likely to increase the cost of imported steel and aluminium, which could be passed on to consumers.
The trade deficit with Canada is about $60 billion annually, with energy purchases being a significant contributor to this deficit.
This could lead to higher prices for American consumers, especially those who rely on imported steel and aluminium for their industries.
The impact of these tariffs on American businesses and consumers will likely be felt for some time, and it's essential to understand the details of the tariffs and their effects.
Tariffs Imposed
The US has imposed tariffs on Canada, with a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports, a move that has been met with retaliation from Canada.
The tariffs were imposed as part of a broader trade policy, with a focus on reducing the annual trade deficit of about $60 billion with Canada, which is largely due to energy purchases.

Canada has a trade deficit with the US, but it's not a traditional subsidy, rather a result of the country's energy purchases.
The tariffs have sparked a mix of shock, confusion, and anger in Canada, with many questioning why the US is targeting a country that was once considered a reliable partner.
Sources
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/03/05/why-is-trump-putting-tariffs-on-canada/81371633007/
- https://globalnews.ca/news/11068390/trump-tariffs-canada-trudeau/
- https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/impact/read/2025/03/opinion-why-trump-s-tariffs-on-canada-won-t-last/
- https://www.npr.org/2025/02/03/nx-s1-5283963/what-trumps-tariffs-on-canada-mexico-and-china-mean-for-americans
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/12/closest-target-why-is-donald-trump-so-focused-on-canada
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