Donald Trump says "the exact opposite!" about Canadian trade while eyeing 50% tariffs on autos

President Donald Trump announced on social media Monday that he intends to put 50 percent tariffs on Canadian vehicles, automotive components, and steel beginning January 1, 2027, alleging that Canada has long exploited the United States and created a $60 billion trade deficit. Trump said the bilateral relationship heavily favors Canada, estimating that 95 percent of Canada’s trade is with America, and promised no tariffs for firms that manufacture domestically. The trade threat follows Canada’s decision to pause trade talks with Washington after the U.S. side proposed 50 percent duties on roughly $28 billion of Canadian products; Prime Minister Mark Carney deemed the revised conditions unacceptable and ordered negotiators home. The measures, if adopted, would affect deeply integrated North American car and steel supply chains.