Former US President Donald Trump intensifies global tariff policy, targets Canada over fentanyl flow and dairy trade imbalance; multiple countries to face new import duties starting August 1, 2025.
Washington, DC [US], July 11:
Former US President Donald Trump has officially announced a 35% tariff on all Canadian imports, citing Canada’s alleged failure to curb fentanyl trafficking into the United States and long-standing trade imbalances. The move, set to take effect from August 1, 2025, was revealed through a letter Trump sent to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, which he posted publicly on his Truth Social platform.
“Instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own tariffs,” Trump wrote. “Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a tariff of 35% on Canadian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs.”
🇺🇸 Key Issues: Fentanyl Crisis, Dairy Tariffs, and Trade Deficits
Trump’s decision is rooted in two major grievances:
- Canada’s handling of fentanyl trafficking, which Trump claims has worsened America’s opioid crisis.
- High Canadian tariffs on US dairy exports, which he described as “extraordinary,” sometimes reaching up to 400%, and as contributing to an unsustainable trade deficit.
“The trade deficit is a major threat to our economy and, indeed, our national security,” Trump stated. He further warned that any retaliation by Canada would trigger an equal increase in tariffs from the US side.
Trump emphasized that Canadian companies manufacturing in the US would be exempt from the new tariffs and promised fast-track approval processes for those willing to shift operations.
🌎 Global Tariff Offensive: Brazil, Asia, and Beyond
Canada is not the only nation in Trump’s crosshairs. Over the past week, the former president has unveiled a comprehensive global tariff strategy, targeting over 20 countries:
- Brazil: Will face a 50% import tariff starting August 1. Trump condemned the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a “witch hunt.”
- Sri Lanka, Iraq, Algeria, Libya: Each will face 30% tariffs on exports to the US.
- Moldova and Brunei: To be taxed at 25%, while the Philippines will see a 20% tariff.
- Trump has already sent letters to leaders in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, and several Balkan and Southeast Asian countries, notifying them of upcoming reciprocal tariffs beginning August 1, 2025.
“There has been no change to this date, and there will be no change,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, asserting that all payments must begin on August 1, 2025, with no extensions to be granted.
🔁 A Return to ‘America First’ Trade Doctrine
This aggressive expansion of tariffs marks a clear return to Trump’s “America First” economic doctrine, which defined much of his first term. It also sets the stage for major changes in US foreign trade policy should he regain office in 2025.
Trump suggested that tariffs could be revised—upward or downward—depending on how countries respond and whether they cooperate on issues such as drug enforcement and trade fairness.
“If Canada works with me to stop the flow of fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” he wrote.
As global trade partners scramble to respond, Trump’s sweeping tariff declarations signal a sharp escalation in US trade protectionism. With August 1, 2025, established as a non-negotiable enforcement date, and more letters expected to be issued in coming days, the international trade landscape is bracing for a dramatic reset. Whether this bold economic move brings desired cooperation—or deeper conflict—remains to be seen.