Trump threatens ‘serious tariffs’ on EU over proposal to make Canada ‘associate member’
US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on Europe if Canada becomes an “associate member” of the EU
Giving Canada “associate” status has been backed by the European Commissioner – and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he is seeking a “unique alliance” with the EU
Carney will address the European Parliament at 10:30 BST (09:30 GMT; 05:30 ET)
But when asked by reporters about the EU-Canada plan, Trump called it “laughable”
“If I think it’s at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe,” he said, adding: “If it’s a good intention, that’s fine”.
The US recently increased tariffs on Canadian goods – with Canada responding with tariffs of its own
The EU has never had an associate member – and what it means in practice is unclear, writes Europe editor Katya Adler
