Trump Accuses Canada Of ‘Ripping Off’ The U.S. For Decades

WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) — President Trump on Wednesday accused Canada of exploiting American markets for decades, saying Ottawa has taken advantage of U.S. farmers, tourists and airlines as the two countries remain locked in a widening trade fight.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Canada had treated the United States unfairly for years.

“Canada has been ripping off the United States for many, many years, for decades, many decades,” Trump said. “They take advantage of our farmers. They take advantage of our tourists. They take advantage of airlines.”

The comments came as U.S.-Canada trade tensions remain unresolved after last-ditch talks collapsed in late August. The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, covering products ranging from steel and aluminum-related items to consumer goods. Canada has pledged “dollar for dollar” retaliation beginning Sept. 8, targeting U.S. steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Canada restricts access for American farm products, particularly dairy, and has used high over-quota tariffs and supply-management rules to limit U.S. exports. He has also complained about Canadian treatment of U.S. autos, alcohol and other industries.

Canadian officials have rejected the accusation that Ottawa is taking advantage of the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Washington made unreasonable last-minute demands during negotiations and has described the U.S. tariff campaign as an attack that left Canada “at war” economically with its largest trading partner.

The two economies remain deeply linked. Canada sends the large majority of its goods exports to the United States, while the U.S. relies on Canadian energy, potash, aluminum and integrated auto-supply chains. Critics of Trump’s framing note that much of the U.S. goods trade deficit with Canada is driven by American purchases of Canadian oil.

No new round of negotiations has been scheduled. Canada’s retaliatory tariffs are set to take effect next week unless the two sides resume talks.