11.07.2025 08:42
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a 35% customs duty will be imposed on all products imported from Canada, citing the fentanyl crisis, trade deficit, and high tariffs on U.S. goods as reasons. Trump stated that the implementation will begin on August 1, 2025, and said, "The United States must take this step."
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media account that a 35% customs duty will be applied to all products imported from Canada as of August 1, 2025, by publishing the official letter he sent to Canada. Trump stated that the fentanyl crisis, trade deficit, and the high tariffs imposed by Canada on U.S. goods justified this decision, saying, "The United States must take this step." He also expressed that the customs duties could be changed "up or down" in the future.
In Trump's letter addressed to Canada, the following statements were included: "It is a great honor for me to send you this letter. This letter demonstrates the strength and determination of our commercial relations and that the United States is willing to continue its cooperation with Canada despite Canada's financial retaliation against the U.S." President Trump argued that Canada has acted "far from reciprocity" in its trade with the U.S., stating that the current imbalance has harmed the American economy.
"A 400% DAIRY TAX IS UNACCEPTABLE"
One of the most striking parts of the letter was where Trump directly referred to the fentanyl issue and dairy tariffs: "The United States has imposed customs duties on Canada to address the fentanyl crisis that has arisen partly because Canada has failed to prevent drug entry into our country. Additionally, Canada imposes extraordinary customs duties of up to 400% on our dairy producers. This is valid even if we assume that our dairy producers have the opportunity to sell products to the Canadian people. This poses a significant threat to our economy and even our national security!"
Trump emphasized that these issues have persisted for a long time and that intervention has become inevitable.
"35% CUSTOMS DUTY STARTS ON AUGUST 1"
In Trump's letter, he stated, "As of August 1, 2025, a 35% customs duty will be applied to Canadian products sent from Canada to the United States, in addition to all sectoral customs tariffs." Trump also expressed that measures would be taken against the indirect transfer of Canadian goods through other countries, stating, "Goods transferred to avoid this high customs duty will also be subject to this high customs duty."
"NO TAX IF PRODUCED IN AMERICA"
In the sections of the letter that conveyed a message of reconciliation, Canadian companies producing within the U.S. were welcomed. Trump stated in his letter, "If Canadian or your companies decide to produce or manufacture products in the United States, no customs duty will be applied. We will do everything we can to ensure that approvals are obtained quickly, professionally, and routinely. In other words, within a few weeks."
"TAXES WILL INCREASE ACCORDING TO RETALIATION RATES"
Trump informed that there would be a strong response to Canada's possible retaliations in his letter, stating, "If you decide to increase your customs duties for any reason, whatever amount you choose to increase, it will be added to the 35% tax we apply." Trump implied that this stance is not exclusive to Canada but also applies to other countries, stating that trade policies will be shaped based on the principle of "full reciprocity." As he does in every letter, Trump did not fail to address Canada with the following message: "These customs duties may change up or down depending on our relations with your country. You will never be disappointed by the United States."