“We’re going to put a big tariff on Canada because of the smoke,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He did not explain how such tariffs would work or provide any details.
Canada has experienced a severe wildfire season this year, with hundreds of fires forcing evacuations and creating poor air quality across Canada and parts of the U.S.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier this week that Canada is doing everything possible to fight the fires. He said he explained to Trump that Canada’s vast forests and widespread drought conditions have made the wildfire season especially difficult.
Some Republican lawmakers have also criticized Canada, claiming it has not done enough to reduce wildfire risks. However, at least one U.S. senator called those comments unfair and unreasonable.
Trade experts say Trump’s latest tariff threat is unlikely to become reality because international trade rules do not allow tariffs to be imposed over wildfire smoke.
The comments come as Trump has also threatened to place 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Canadian goods starting Aug. 19 if the two countries do not reach a trade agreement. Canada has said it is prepared to respond with retaliatory measures if necessary.
