The US president has threatened heavy tariffs and said the proposed status could force the US to cut some trade with Europe.
Published September 17, 2026
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada over the European Union’s proposal to make it the EU’s first “associate member”, suggesting the move could be seen as hostile to the United States.
President Trump told reporters in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday that his response would depend on what European leaders were trying to accomplish.
Recommended stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
President Trump said, “If it’s in good faith, that’s fine. If it’s in bad faith, we’ll impose very heavy tariffs.” He also suggested that the United States could end trade with Europe “in many respects.”
President Trump dismissed the possibility of Canada joining the European Union as “ridiculous” and called America’s northern neighbor a “terrible trading partner.”
His comments came just hours after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed paving the way for Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member” as Ottawa seeks closer ties with Europe amid worsening relations with the United States.
However, it is still unclear what exactly an “associate member” is.
This status does not currently exist under EU treaties, and von der Leyen did not elaborate on the rights and obligations it entails. Both proposals will require the support of EU member states.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office welcomed the prospect of a “much stronger and more ambitious union in the future,” but stopped short of concrete recognition of associate membership.
Carney has previously said that what Canada is pursuing is “its own alliance” with Europe, rather than membership in the bloc.
Canada and the EU are already considering closer cooperation on trade, technology, defence, energy, critical minerals and the Arctic, with more detailed talks planned for next month’s Canada-EU summit in Montreal.
The move comes as Canada seeks to reduce its economic dependence on the United States amid escalating trade tensions between the two neighbors.
