Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Trump Threatens Heavy Tariffs on EU Over Canada Associate Membership Bid


(MENAFN) President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that he would slap steep tariffs on the EU if he determines the bloc's offer of associate membership to Canada amounts to a hostile move against Washington.

"I think it's laughable... Canada has been a terrible trade partner," Trump told reporters upon landing in North Carolina. "If I think it's at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things."

"If it's a good intention, that's fine. If it's a bad intention, we put very heavy tariffs," he added.
The remarks came hours after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament that the EU must forge new, closer partnerships to withstand mounting geopolitical and economic pressure. She said the bloc's ties with Canada should be elevated "to the highest level possible."

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was present for the address. Addressing him directly, von der Leyen said: "I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU."

"We share one ocean, one set of values, one way of seeing the world. And we will now build our shared future as well," she said.

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