‘I’m a Tariff Person’: Trump Doubles Down on Levies as New Deal Pledged Within 30 Days
In a dramatic reopening of trade tensions, President Donald Trump has thrust Canada back into economic uncertainty, declaring himself “a tariff person” while promising a complete overhaul of North American trade relations within his first month back in office.
Speaking at a highly charged press conference following the G7 Summit in Italy, Trump laid out his confrontational trade vision that directly challenges the carefully constructed economic partnerships built during President Biden’s administration.
“Canada knows what’s coming,” Trump stated bluntly. “We’ll have a new deal within 30 days of taking office, or tariffs will start day one. I’m a tariff person – always have been. The previous deals were disasters.”
The announcement sent immediate shockwaves through Canadian political circles and financial markets, with the Canadian dollar dropping 1.2 percent against the USD within hours of Trump’s comments. Economic analysts project potential losses of $27 billion in Canadian exports should Trump’s proposed universal 10 percent tariff be implemented.
Prime Minister Trudeau, visibly strained during his own media briefing, emphasized Canada’s readiness for difficult negotiations while maintaining a diplomatic tone.
“We’ve been down this road before,” Trudeau noted. “Canada stands ready to protect our industries and workers while seeking constructive solutions that benefit both nations. Our economies remain deeply integrated despite political rhetoric.”
Trade experts point to the automotive sector as particularly vulnerable, with the complex cross-border supply chains established under CUSMA now at risk. A report from the C.D. Howe Institute estimates that 300,000 Canadian manufacturing jobs could face disruption under Trump’s proposed tariff structure.
“The fundamental challenge is that Trump views trade as zero-sum,” explains Dr. Elena Ramirez, international trade economist at the University of Toronto. “His approach ignores the mutual benefits of the $2.6 billion in daily trade between our countries and the 5.7 million American jobs that depend on trade with Canada.”
Trump’s remarks have reignited concerns among Canadian business leaders who remember the volatility of his first term, when aluminum and steel tariffs disrupted supply chains and increased consumer costs on both sides of the border.
“We’re already seeing companies delay investment decisions,” confirms James Henderson, CEO of the Canadian Manufacturers Association. “The uncertainty alone creates economic damage even before any actual policy changes.”
The Biden administration, in its final months, has attempted to reassure Canadian officials that existing agreements remain in force, but markets appear unconvinced, with volatility expected to increase as January approaches.
As Canada prepares for potentially turbulent negotiations, the fundamental question remains: will Trump’s hardline approach actually deliver better outcomes for either country, or simply disrupt a trading relationship that has historically benefited citizens on both sides of the world’s longest undefended border?
