Trump says Canada wants ‘benefits’ of being US state after trade talks collapse

In the wake of the collapse of trade talks between the United States and Canada, US President Donald Trump has asserted that Canada is seeking the "benefits of being a State, without being one". This assertion came after the trade negotiations concluded late on Friday, triggering new 50% US tariffs on a range of Canadian goods. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling the new tariffs a "miscalculation", announced a "dollar-for-dollar" retaliation, including levies on steel, dairy, appliances, and electronics, effective from September 8th.

Carney expressed that Canada will not accept or provide what the US has asked for. Trump's comments echo his earlier assertions of making Canada the "51st state of America", a sentiment that has been met with frustration from Canadian leaders and residents. Both countries were optimistic about a deal earlier in the week, but trade talks broke down after accusations of last-minute changes from both sides.

The new US tariffs will apply to about $20 billion (£15 billion; C$28 billion) of Canadian imports, or approximately 5% of total imports, and will be limited to items like wine, dairy, cement, clothing, and hockey equipment. Canadian leaders have voiced support for Carney's retaliation, with the Conservative opposition and several Canadian provinces backing his stance.