Trump threatens EU, Canada with higher tariffs over economic damage

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union and Canada with even steeper tariffs than previously planned if they cooperate in causing economic harm to the United States.

In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that both regions would face more significant tariffs to “protect the best friend that each of those two countries has ever had.”

This follows Trump’s announcement on Wednesday of a 25% per cent tariff on all car imports, excluding U.S.-made vehicles.

The new tariffs, set to take effect in April, are expected to impact the German car industry heavily.

For imports from Canada and Mexico that contained U.S. components, only the non-U.S. parts would face tariffs.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney called the tariffs a “direct attack” and vowed to defend the country’s workers and companies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also reassured that European companies would be protected from the new measures.