US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on Canada, arguing that the economic impact of wildfire smoke drifting into the United States should be considered in future trade measures.
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Speaking during a primetime address on Friday, Trump said the cost of pollution caused by Canadian wildfires “must” be factored into the tariff structure already applied to Canadian goods. He suggested Canada should bear responsibility for the cross-border effects of the ongoing wildfire crisis.
The remarks came as Canada continues to battle more than 800 active wildfires, with over 100 fires concentrated in northwestern Ontario. Thick smoke from the blazes has spread across the US border, reducing air quality in more than 17 states.
Cities across the Northeast and Midwest, including New York City, experienced hazy skies and reduced visibility as smoke blanketed the region. Health authorities have issued air quality alerts, advising children, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activities due to elevated pollution levels.
The smoke has also raised concerns ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, scheduled for Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Event organisers are monitoring air quality and weather conditions to determine whether smoke could affect the highly anticipated match between Spain and Argentina.
Trump did not specify what additional tariffs might be introduced or when they could take effect. His comments add another point of tension to US-Canada trade relations, which have already faced disputes over tariffs and market access in recent years. Canadian officials had not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks at the time of publication.
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Wildfires have become increasingly severe across Canada in recent years, with scientists linking the trend to hotter, drier conditions associated with climate change. The resulting smoke frequently travels hundreds or even thousands of kilometres, affecting air quality across large parts of North America during the summer months.