Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose sweeping 100 percent tariffs on all Canadian goods entering the United States, warning that Canada would be “eaten alive” if it proceeds with closer economic ties with China. The remarks mark a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Ottawa and underscore widening divisions over trade, geopolitics, and the future of the global order.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump accused Canada of planning to act as a “drop-off port” for Chinese goods destined for the U.S. market, calling such a move a serious miscalculation. “China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric and general way of life,” Trump wrote. He added that any deal between Canada and China would trigger immediate 100 percent tariffs on all Canadian exports to the United States.
Trump’s warning came days after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a widely noted speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he argued that the post–World War II, U.S.-led rules-based international order is eroding. “Every day we’re reminded that we live in an era of great-power rivalry,” Carney said. “That the rules-based order is fading. That the strong can do what they can, and the weak must suffer what they must.”
Although Carney did not mention Trump by name, the speech was widely interpreted as a critique of coercive tactics by major powers. He urged middle-sized countries to deepen multilateral cooperation to avoid being forced to choose between rival blocs. “If we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu,” Carney said, calling for a “dense web of connections” among middle powers to chart an independent path.
The clash reflects a broader deterioration in U.S.-Canada relations since Trump’s return to office. Trump has previously suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state and recently shared an altered map depicting Canada as part of U.S. territory. At Davos, he said Canada benefits from numerous “freebies” from the United States and should be more appreciative, adding that Carney’s remarks showed a lack of gratitude.
Carney’s comments followed a high-profile visit to China, the first by a Canadian prime minister in six years, during which he announced a new “strategic partnership” aimed at expanding trade, investment, and cooperation in energy, clean technology, and climate initiatives. During the trip, Carney met with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee.
The Canadian government described China, the world’s second-largest economy, as offering “enormous opportunities” for Canada, particularly in clean energy, agri-food, and technology. The partnership includes collaboration on renewable energy, batteries, solar and wind power, as well as agreements on law enforcement cooperation targeting drug trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering. Canada and China also pledged to expand cultural exchanges and tourism, including a deal between Destination Canada and China Media Group and visa-free travel for Canadians to China.
Carney framed the outreach as part of a broader recalibration of Canada’s foreign policy in response to a changing global landscape. He said the partnership with China would help position Canada for a “new world order” and accused the Trump administration of retreating from global governance. Ottawa has also set a goal of increasing exports to China by 50 percent by 2030.
The war of words intensified further after Carney publicly rejected Trump’s assertion that “Canada lives because of the United States.” “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States,” Carney said after leaving Davos. “Canada thrives because we are Canadian.” While reaffirming the importance of economic and security ties with Washington, he stressed Canada’s sovereignty, saying, “We are masters in our home. This is our country. This is our future.”
Relations were strained further when Trump withdrew an invitation for Canada to join a newly announced “Board of Peace,” intended to support ceasefire efforts in Gaza. Trump said the board was rescinding its invitation after Canada expressed preconditions regarding a proposed $1 billion contribution. Carney had earlier said Canada would only participate if the initiative aligned with its values.
Speaking later in Quebec City, Carney said maintaining Canada’s sovereignty depends on remaining true to its principles. He portrayed Canada as a model for pluralism at a time of rising populism and nationalism. “Canada must be a beacon — an example to a world at sea,” he said, arguing that diversity and social cohesion are strengths rather than weaknesses.
As Trump threatens punitive trade measures and Ottawa deepens ties with Beijing, analysts warn that one of the world’s closest bilateral relationships may be entering its most volatile period in decades, with implications for North American trade, global supply chains, and the balance of power in an increasingly polarized world.
