'Time to teach Canada': Trump rails as trade war gets ugly

US president Donald Trump has warned Canada of possible further action, saying it was “time to teach Canada you can't do this anymore,” as trade tensions between the two countries intensify.Canada on Tuesday announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on more than 700 US products worth around $27.6 billion, escalating its trade dispute with the United States.Canadian prime minister Mark Carney accused Washington of seeking to subordinate Canada, saying US demands during the failed trade negotiations showed that Americans wanted to “destroy our major industries”, including autos, steel and aluminium.The new tariffs, set to take effect on September 8, will cover a broad range of American goods, including fish, cheese, honey, cosmetics, clothing, household appliances, smartphones, motorcycles, and steel and aluminium products.The tariffs will be imposed at rates of 15%, 25% and 50%, with the highest rate applying to several products, including certain dairy, cosmetics and lumber items. Canada will also increase tariffs on US steel and aluminium products from 25% to 50%, CBC News reported.Ottawa said the measures target products “most affected by US tariffs” and are intended to match the duties imposed by Washington in its latest round of tariffs.Canada’s latest measures extend beyond industrial goods, targeting everyday products such as cheese, toilet paper, clothing, smartphones and household appliances.Trade tensions have continued to escalate, with Trump threatening further tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts and steel.He said his administration would raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel to 50% from January 1, 2027.Carney said the proposed auto tariffs would “gradually dismantle” Canada’s vehicle production industry.Trump also added another point of friction on Tuesday, saying the US was giving “serious consideration” to renaming Lake Ontario as “Lake America”, amid his ongoing dispute with Ontario Premier Doug Ford.Get the latest Business News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.