US threatens tariffs over EU proposal for Canadian associate membership
US President Donald Trump has threatened the EU with tariffs over a proposal to grant Canada associate membership status.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's suggestion to grant Canada associate membership status in the European Union has drawn sharp threats from US President Donald Trump.
Trump dismissed the initiative as "ridiculous" and warned that Washington could impose steep tariffs or restrict trade if Brussels deepens ties with Ottawa. He indicated that potential countermeasures would depend on European motives, asserting trade restrictions remain an option if the move is driven by "bad intentions."
The diplomatic friction comes amid heightened trade tensions between the US and Canada, which previously prompted Finnish President Alexander Stubb to quip whether Ottawa belongs closer to the EU rather than becoming America's "51st state."
Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Oct 17, 2026, 03:30 PM UTCTrump threatens tariffs over proposed EU associate membership for Canada
- Oct 17, 2026, 03:30 AM UTCUS President Donald Trump threatens EU tariffs over proposed Canadian associate membership
- Oct 16, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCTrump threatens EU with tariffs over proposed Canada associate membership
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCTrump threatens EU with tariffs over proposed Canada associate status
- Oct 13, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCTrump threatens tariffs on EU over proposed Canadian associate status
- Oct 13, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCDonald Trump threatens tariffs over EU proposal for Canadian associate membership
- Oct 13, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCTrump threatens EU with tariffs over proposed Canada associate status
- Oct 12, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCTrump warns EU of tariffs over proposed associate membership for Canada
- Oct 12, 2026, 10:30 AM UTCUS President Donald Trump threatens EU tariffs over Canadian associate membership proposal
- Oct 12, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCTrump threatens EU tariffs over proposed associate membership for Canada