# Trump threatens EU tariffs over Canada membership plan

> Trump warns of severe tariffs if the EU grants Canada associate membership, escalating trade tensions.
- Title: Trump threatens EU tariffs over Canada membership plan · CNBC
- Summary: Trump warns of severe tariffs if the EU grants Canada associate membership, escalating trade tensions. Trump is using tariff threats to influence EU…
- Keywords: donald trump, european union, canada, tariffs, trade war, ursula von der leyen, mark carney, associate membership, trade tensions, u.s. canada trade, business, finance
- Source: CNBC — https://cnbc.com/2026/09/17/trump-canada-european-union-tariffs-associate-member-ukraine-.html
- Author: Anniek Bao
- Published: 2026-09-17T00:52:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: donald trump, european union, canada, tariffs, trade war, ursula von der leyen, mark carney, associate membership, trade tensions, u.s. canada trade, business, finance
## EU opens door to Canada membership
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU is considering making Canada its first-ever associate member, deepening economic and security ties.
## Trump threatens massive tariffs
Trump warned he will impose severe tariffs on the EU or halt trade entirely if it proceeds with the Canada plan, calling it a potential hostile act.

> if I think it's at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things.
## Canada seeks U.S. independence
Canada is diversifying away from the U.S. after months of escalating trade tensions, with Trump already imposing 50% tariffs on Canadian goods and planning import bans.
## Associate membership is new concept
Associate membership doesn't currently exist in EU treaties and would need to be created and ratified by all member states before Canada could join.
## EU shifts on Ukraine membership
The Canada proposal marks a significant shift from the EU's lukewarm response to Germany's May proposal for Ukraine associate membership.
## Trade deal framework at risk
New U.S. tariffs on the EU would test the trade agreement struck last year that caps tariffs at 15% on most EU exports to America.
## Key takeaway

Trump is using tariff threats to influence EU decisions on expanding its membership structure, while Canada seeks to reduce dependence on the U.S.