In a sudden escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 10% additional tariff on Canadian imports, citing a “hostile act” by Ontario authorities over a televised advertisement. The announcement came shortly after an ad aired during the 2025 MLB World Series featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan criticizing protectionist trade policies-a move Trump called “deceptive and anti-American.”
According to the White House, the new tariff applies “on top of existing duties” and is aimed at signaling that “foreign interference in U.S. political messaging will not be tolerated.” While Trump did not specify which Canadian goods will be affected, trade experts note that many products already move duty-free under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), leaving room for selective enforcement.
Canadian officials have described the move as “unwarranted and politically motivated,” warning that it could trigger reciprocal measures. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose government backed the ad campaign, stated that the message was “educational, not political.” The decision marks a sharp turn in U.S.-Canada relations, which had stabilized after years of tariff disputes. Economists warn that the new duties could disrupt cross-border supply chains, increase costs for North American manufacturers, and strain one of the world’s closest trade partnerships.
