President Donald Trump announced he is ending all trade negotiations with Canada because of a television ad opposing U.S. tariffs. The ad was paid for by the Ontario provincial government, not the Canadian federal government. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.

Over the past year, Trump's tariffs have strained the longstanding U.S.-Canada relationship. Since taking office in January, Trump has threatened Canada's economy and sovereignty with steep import taxes. He has even claimed Canada could be "the 51st state." That rhetoric, paired with on-again, off-again tariffs, has outraged Canadians and created uncertainty for businesses and consumers in both countries.

Canada has responded with retaliatory measures. This week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney outlined plans to double non-U.S. exports in the next decade. Trump also promised to end "all trade negotiations" with Canada over the Ontario government's ad, though the province has since said it will pause that campaign.

Timeline of events

  • 01January: On his first day in office, Trump says he expects to put 25% tariffs on imports from Canada starting Feb. 1.
  • 02February: Trump signs an executive order to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada starting Feb. 4, invoking a national emergency over immigration and drug trafficking. Then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promises to respond with matching 25% tariffs on up to $155 billion in U.S. imports. Days later, Trump agrees to a 30-day pause.
  • 03March: Trump's 25% tariffs on Canadian imports take effect March 4, with a 10% levy on Canadian energy. Trudeau announces counter tariffs on over $100 billion of American goods over 21 days. Trump grants a one-month exemption for U.S. automakers, then postpones tariffs on goods compliant with USMCA. Canada suspends its second wave of retaliatory tariffs. On March 12, Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs (25%) take effect. Canada imposes additional retaliatory tariffs worth C$29.8 billion (US$20.7 billion) starting March 13.

Trump also announced his long-promised "reciprocal" tariffs on nearly all U.S. imports.