US-Canada, why Trump threatens to block the bridge between Michigan and Ontario
The US President's new diplomatic and trade challenge to Canada
US President Donald Trump has launched a new diplomatic and trade challenge to Canada, threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the new suspension bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario, by 2026.
The dispute comes after an agreement between Ottawa and Beijing to reduce tariffs on 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles exported to Canada per year, in exchange for a reduction in tariffs on Canadian agricultural products such as wheat, canola and lobster. Trump criticised the deal, arguing that it would encourage Chinese cars to enter the US at the expense of local manufacturers.
"Without full compensation for what we have given to Canada, I will not allow the bridge to open," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that the US should own at least half of the infrastructure.
The bridge, co-financed by Canada and Michigan to the tune of about C$4 billion and built with materials and labour from both countries, is an example of cross-border collaboration. However, Trump's stance reflects the growing tensions between Washington and Ottawa over the automotive sector and North American free trade rules, with an eye on the USMCA renewal negotiations.
The Canadian government attempted to contain the alarm, emphasising the strategic importance of the bridge for North American industry and logistics. The Ottawa executive also announced incentives for Canadian car companies to collaborate with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, in the hope of strengthening domestic production and maintaining the competitiveness of local industry.
