Trump Imposes Additional 10% Tariffs on Canadian Imports Following Controversial TV Ad
Washington, D.C., October 26, 2025 – In a significant escalation of trade tensions between the United States and Canada, President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is raising tariffs on Canadian goods by an additional 10%. This move is a direct response to a newly aired Canadian television advertisement that criticizes Trump’s trade policies.
The controversial TV ad, broadcast in Ontario during Game 1 of the World Series, features a speech by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. It protests against President Trump’s tariff actions by invoking Reagan’s words, highlighting what Canadian officials say is the damaging impact of the tariffs on cross-border trade and the economies of both nations.
Ontario officials have confirmed plans to withdraw the ad from the airwaves next week, but despite this, President Trump reiterated his tariff increase on social media, underscoring his dissatisfaction with the ad’s critical tone and its timing during a major American sporting event.
“Given the untimely and disparaging nature of this advertisement, we are compelled to act,” Trump stated in a tweet, adding, “Effective immediately, Canadian imports will face an additional 10% duty to reinforce our position on fair trade practices.” This new levy adds to existing tariffs already applied under the administration’s tariff regime, which has targeted Canadian steel, aluminum, and other goods over the past few years.
Trade observers warn that this tariff hike could deepen economic strains between the North American neighbors and complicate negotiations on other critical trade issues. The escalation comes amidst ongoing global trade disputes, including rising tensions with China, where President Trump has threatened tariffs as high as 100% in response to Beijing’s export controls on critical materials.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office released a brief statement expressing “deep disappointment” but offering a readiness to continue dialogue to resolve the disputes “in a manner constructive to both our nations.” The statement also stressed the importance of the bilateral relationship, which supports millions of jobs on both sides of the border.
Analysts note that the timing of the ad and the swift tariff response highlight the sensitivity of trade issues in the U.S. political landscape leading into the 2026 election cycle. The move is also seen as part of President Trump’s broader strategy to position American industry and agriculture favorably amid shifting global trade dynamics.
While the new tariffs increase costs for businesses and consumers, affected industries in both countries are bracing for disruptions that could ripple through supply chains. The agricultural sector, particularly soybean farmers in the U.S., has recently been affected by China’s shifting purchase patterns—another sign of the high-stakes environment surrounding international trade policies.
As of now, there are no confirmed meetings scheduled between President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau to address these latest developments, leaving uncertainty about the path forward in this escalating trade conflict.
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Published on October 26, 2025