₦airaland Forum

President Donald Trump has said the US does not need Canadian energy, vehicles or lumber as he spoke to global business leaders at the World Economic Forum.

Trump also reiterated his threat to impose tariffs on the country, saying it can be avoided if the neighbouring nation chose to "become a state" of the US.

"You can always become a state, and if you're a state, we won't have a deficit. We won't have to tariff you," he said to gasps in the hall in Davos.

Trump has threatened to impose up to 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, possibly by 1 February.

The renewed threat of tariffs has been met with deep unease by the trade-dependent Canada.

But it has also said it will consider significant countermeasures, including a "dollar-for-dollar" response if the Trump administration follows through.

Roughly 75% of Canada's exports head south. In contrast, Canada accounts for a much smaller 17% of US exports, though it is the second largest US trading partner, behind Mexico.

Trump in his remarks on Thursday said Canada had been "very tough to deal with over the years".

"We don't need them to make our cars, we make a lot of them, we don't need their lumber because we have our own forests... we don't need their oil and gas, we have more than anybody," he told forum attendees via video link from Washington DC.

Trump reiterated the assertion that the US has a trade deficit with Canada of between $200bn and $250bn. It's not clear where he got that figure.

The trade deficit with Canada - expected to be $45bn in 2024 - is mostly driven by US energy demands.

The North American auto industry also has highly integrated supply chains.

Auto parts can cross the borders between the US and Mexico and Canada multiple time before a vehicle is finally assembled.

Trump has also tied the tariffs to border security, saying it will be imposed unless Canada increases security at the shared border.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly said that everything is on the table in response if the tariffs are imposed.

That includes a tax or embargo on energy exports to the US, though some of Canada's provincial leaders disagree with that response.

On Thursday, Trudeau told reporters that Canada's goal is to avoid US tariffs altogether but it will step up its response "gradually" to seek the quick removal of levies if they are imposed.

Canada is also pitching itself as a reliable trading partner and a secure source to the US for energy and critical minerals as it lobbies American lawmakers in a bid to avoid the tariffs.

Trump also said on Thursday that businesses should make their products in the US if they want to avoid tariffs.

Tariffs are a central part of Trump's economic vision - he sees them as a way of growing the US economy, protecting jobs and raising tax revenue.

The new president has ordered federal officials to review US trade relationships for any unfair practices by 1 April.

Source: BBC

This would not end well for Trump and the US in general.

This man has started again. He just making mouth. He can't do most of the things he says

COMRADES, I wish I were a Canadian PM/MP, I'll subscribe for the annexation or assimilation of Canada to the United States of America

Noise maker...... After they (canada) help you quench the fire... Now you can make as noise as you like

Trump also reiterated his threat to impose tariffs on the country, saying it can be avoided if the neighbouring nation chose to "become a state" of the US.

What an insult!

Trump is looking for countries to acquire but cannot acquire Nigeria because of useless agbadorians who have nothing in their brains!

This man don dey talk too much as usual...!

Do whatever you wish abeg! Make everybody hear word.

Canada is never going to become a state in America...! That's kinda clear and obvious even to a slow child.

lordm:
This man has started again. He just making mouth. He can't do most of the things he says

If he does it, the USA economy will feel the negative effect ultimately and the consumers.

Perish that thought, Canadians are not Americans and do not wish to be Americans. Tariff against Canada is bad business

Melagros:
COMRADES, I wish I am a Canadian PM/MP, I'll subscribe for the annexation or assimilation of Canada to the United States of America

That is why you can never be a leader.

Trump also reiterated his threat to impose tariffs on the country, saying it can be avoided if the neighbouring nation chose to "become a state" of the US.

this corrupt, callous, deranged old man is at it again

Melagros:
COMRADES, I wish I am a Canadian PM/MP, I'll subscribe for the annexation or assimilation of Canada to the United States of America

.. Slavery mentality.Do you think Canada is an African country?. Even right thinking ambitious Africans will not agree with this madness.

Trump abeg take it easy oo..

Flangelo12:
This would not end well for Trump and the US in general.

pls advice your home country since you are well grounded on international politics.

Temitunz:
Trump abeg take it easy oo..

I thought most of you are supporting him.Una never see anything

Initial gragra

Canada your closest allie and neighbor.

Do you really think it's a good idea to be antagonistic to them?

Anyway Americans voted for him because they think he will make groceries more affordable. So he's their headache.

Hmmmm......

Morbeta11:
pls advice your home country since you are well grounded on international politics.

You have no clue where I reside.

Melagros:
COMRADES, I wish I am a Canadian PM/MP, I'll subscribe for the annexation or assimilation of Canada to the United States of America

You are looking at it like a Nigerian who wants to Japa and the country you want to Japa to wants to absorb Nigeria. Of course you would want it. But Canadians are doing well for themselves and they don't want to be part of the United States.

Isn't all this what Putin is doing in Russia that the world is crucifying him? Forcefully annexing other territories like Ukraine, before you know trump will start a 'a special campaign war' in Canada just like Putin did in Ukraine

Threatening the sovereignty of another country by continuously making statements of wanting it annexed. What is the UN supposed to say about this?

Hearing this news come up again again and not that Canada is a territory yet to be a state and full member of the UN, but an actual sovereign state, and then this one entity goes on yapping about its sovereignty? The UN obviously sleeps.

Our mumu President.

This clown 🤡 will tank the US economy sooner or later.

Noted.

SmartPolician:
Trump is looking for countries to acquire but cannot acquire Nigeria because of useless agbadorians who have nothing in their brains!

If na you, you go waste money acquire us? With all these semi mad people way day parambulate for Oshodi and environs? Them go even think say Trump start to craze new sef if e do am.