President Trump targets EU trade; still floating the idea of Canada being the 51st U.S State

This week, President Donald Trump flexed the power of the U.S. when it comes to trade. Mexico and Canada made concessions to avoid tariffs, and now Trump is looking at the European Union.

“Well, we have massive deficits with the European Union, massive like $350 billion, if you can believe it,” Pres. Trump said. “They don’t take our farm products. They don’t take our cars.”

Trump says the EU has abused the U.S. for years, and that needs to change. He also repeated the notion that it could be in Canada‘s best interest to become the 51st state of the United States, saying they have a lot more to lose than we do.

“Why are we willing to lose between $100 billion and $200 billion a year?” Trump said. “We don’t need that. As a state, it’s different, and there are no tariffs. I’d love to see that, but some people say that would be a long shot. If people wanted to play the game right, it would be 100% certain that they become a state.”

This week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered concessions to keep the tariffs at bay for at least a month. President Trump is expected to keep in talks with Canada and Mexico over the next 30 days.

Related Stories
Trade pacts with Malaysia and Cambodia unlock tariff-free and preferential lanes for key U.S. farm goods, expanding long-term demand in Southeast Asia.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio, discusses President Trump’s move to halt trade talks with Canada and Mexico over a commercial about tariffs launched by the Government of Ontario.
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
Stay alert for trade announcements—especially border reopening timelines, tariff threats, and developments in Brazil’s export flows.
Until a phased reopening is inked, plan for tighter feeder availability, firmer basis near border yards, and continued reliance on domestic and Canadian sources.
Bangladesh’s buying surge offers temporary relief for U.S. farmers facing weaker Chinese demand, highlighting how global politics can reshape export outlets overnight.
Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues through Saturday, wrapping up another successful year of celebrating agriculture in the Commonwealth.
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.