Trade war: Amid the ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada, signs of further escalation have emerged. The US President has warned that if Canada does not address American objections, permission will not be given to open the new international bridge connecting the two countries.
This statement has come at a time when the bridge linking Michigan in the US with Canada’s Ontario province is almost complete and was expected to become operational soon.
The bridge, around 2.5 kilometers long, has been built at a cost of about $4.7 billion. It has been fully financed by Canada, while the US had refused to share the construction cost.
No permission without compensation
In a statement given on Monday, February 9, Trump said that until the US receives the full compensation that it considers its right, permission to open the bridge will not be granted. Trump also added that Canada should deal with the US with “fairness and respect.”
Strong reaction in Canada
Canada’s business community has expressed anger over Trump’s threat. In a statement, it said that blocking bridges at the border or creating obstacles in them could prove damaging and self-destructive for the economies of both countries.
Already a tough stance
This is not the first time Trump has used harsh language against Canada. During his second term, he has made several sharp remarks regarding Canada. Trump has earlier made comments about making Canada the 51st state of the US and has also taken decisions to increase tariffs on it.
Last month, he had also warned that if Canada enters into a trade agreement with China, tariffs of up to 100 percent could be imposed on it. Trump’s latest warning suggests that amid the trade war, expectations of any immediate easing in US–Canada relations remain low.
Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
