US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States loses more than $60 billion annually through US Canada trade as tensions between Washington and Ottawa continue to rise.
Trump said Canadian businesses were moving their operations to the United States to avoid tariffs. He also claimed that companies that previously left the US were now returning as his administration pushes to expand domestic manufacturing.
The US president said Washington wants to produce more goods at home, including vehicles. He argued that his tariff policy would encourage Canadian and international businesses to shift production to the United States.
Trump also urged Canadian companies doing business with the US to relocate their operations south of the border. He said companies that move to the United States would not face tariffs, although he did not provide details on specific relocation plans.
The latest comments follow Washington’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods on August 22. Trump has also ordered a 50% tariff on Canadian cars, trucks and steel from January 1, 2027.
Trump has repeatedly criticised Canada’s trade relationship with the United States. He said the existing arrangement had disadvantaged Washington and argued that Canadian vehicles and components should face tighter restrictions in the American market.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has rejected Trump’s tariff strategy, calling it a miscalculation. Canada is preparing reciprocal tariffs on $20 billion of US imports from September 8. The escalating dispute could further reshape US Canada trade and business ties between the two countries.
