Donald Trump threatens the European Union with additional tariffs if it accepts Canada as an associate member

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, warned on Wednesday that the European Union could face additional tariffs if it allows Canada to become an associate member of the bloc. The statement, reported by The Associated Press, introduces a new trade threat into the already tense relationship between Washington and Brussels.

Trump suggested that accepting Canada under such an arrangement could be considered a “hostile act” toward the United States. The American leader did not specify what level the potential tariffs might reach or when they could be imposed, but indicated that his administration would respond to such a European initiative with additional trade measures.

Canada is not a member of the European Union, and its potential association would represent an important political and economic decision for the bloc. Trump’s statement comes amid disputes over tariffs and pressure exerted by the American administration on its trading partners.

So far, no details have been provided about an official timetable or the specific form of a potential associate membership relationship between Canada and the European Union.