U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that his administration will impose tariffs on imported cars starting April 2, delaying the move by a day due to superstition. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated that while the tariffs were originally planned for April 1, he opted for the following day, joking about the financial cost of the short delay.
The exact details of the tariffs remain unclear, but earlier in the week, Trump suggested they could range from 50 to 100 percent. He accused Canada of “stealing” the auto industry from the U.S. and reiterated his desire for more vehicles to be manufactured in Detroit. These comments follow his administration’s recent decision to impose tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, including imports from Canada.
Previously, the White House had announced a pause on 25 percent tariffs affecting all Canadian exports, with the delay set to expire in early March. However, Trump’s latest remarks signal that the auto sector will soon face trade restrictions, potentially escalating economic tensions between the two countries.
The move has raised concerns among industry experts and trade analysts, who warn that such tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase vehicle prices, and lead to retaliatory measures from Canada. While Canada remains a key partner in North America’s integrated auto sector, Trump’s rhetoric suggests he is determined to reshape the industry in favor of U.S. manufacturers.
With the April 2 deadline approaching, automakers and policymakers on both sides of the border are bracing for potential economic fallout, as Canada weighs its options in response to the looming trade barriers.
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