Trump announces 35% tariffs on imports from Canada — teases higher blanket rates

President Trump revealed Thursday that imported goods from Canada will be subject to a 35% tariff starting next month, and that blanket levies may exceed 10%. 

Trump, 79, notified Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of the incoming tariffs in a letter – one of dozens the president has fired off to foreign leaders this week ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline for nations to secure trade pacts with the US. 

“It is a Great Honor for me to send you this letter in that it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our Trading Relationship, and the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue working with Canada, despite Canada having financially retaliated against the United States,” Trump wrote in the missive.  

“As you will recall, the United States imposed Tariffs on Canada to deal with our Nation’s Fentanyl crisis, which is caused, in part, by Canada’s failure to stop the drugs from pouring into our Country,” the president continued. “Instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own Tariffs.” 

“Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a Tariff of 35% on Canadian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs.” 

Trump warned Carney that “goods transshipped to evade this higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff” and that if Canada retaliates, the rate will go up. 

The president noted that Canadian companies that opt to “build or manufacture product within the United States” will not be subject to tariffs and that his administration “will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely — In other words, in a matter of weeks.” 

Last year, the US traded an estimated $762.1 billion in goods with its northern neighbor, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative. 

The US trade deficit with Canada– which Trump described as a “major threat” the American economy and national security – was estimated at $63.3 billion in 2024, a 1.4% drop from 2023. 

“If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” the president said. “These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country.”

“You will never be disappointed with The United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump previously imposed a 25% tariffs on automobiles, aluminum, steel and imports from Canada, as well as Mexico, that don’t comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). 

It’s unclear if the USMCA exemption will apply come Aug. 1. 

Meanwhile, Trump teased in an interview with NBC News that the 10% baseline tariff rate on all imports may increase. 

“We’re just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether it’s 20% or 15%. We’ll work that out now,” Trump told “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker. 

“I think the tariffs have been very well-received,” he added. “The stock market hit a new high today.”

With Canada receiving its letter, Trump has now notified at least 23 countries that failed to reach trade agreements during a 90-day pause on his so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs of their looming rates. 

The president this week also announced a 50% tariff on copper imports set to take effect next month. 

“Not everybody has to get a letter,” Trump told NBC News. “You know that. We’re just setting our tariffs.”

The White House did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.