Trump defends 50% tariffs on Canada, saying ‘they need us to survive’

Mark Carney says Canada is ‘united’ in face of threats as leaders agree to talk before tariffs take effect next month Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Donald Trump has defended his new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, claiming the country cannot survive without the US. The White House announced the sweeping round of import duties – due to come into effect next month – on Monday, igniting fresh tensions between Washington and Ottawa. Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, said his country was “united” in the face of such threats. He spoke with Trump earlier on Tuesday. “Canada has been very, very tough on us over the years, for many years, and no other president’s done anything about it,” the US president said in the Oval Office. “In all fairness to them, they need us to survive. Without us, there’s no way they can survive.” Earlier this week, the White House said that the new levies were because Canada has unfairly discriminated against US cars, alcohol and dairy products. The tariffs will go into effect in 30 days, leaving time for possible discussions between the two countries. Carney told reporters: “We agreed to intensify negotia