WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced massive new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum Tuesday, while threatening to “shut down” its auto industry and saying the best way to end the trade war was for Washington’s ally to be absorbed into the United States.

Trump’s shock new threats came hours before a midnight deadline for ramping up the Republican’s increasingly global trade offensive.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump announced that he would double planned 25-percent tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50 percent for imports of the metals from Canada.

A 25-percent levy is still due to kick in Wednesday for other US trading partners, hitting Brazil, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and other countries.

The upcoming tariffs, which currently allow for no exceptions, threaten to affect everything from electronics to vehicles and construction equipment — and have manufacturers scrambling to find cost-effective domestic suppliers.

The country facing the most aggressive action is Canada, historically one of the United States’ closest allies and top trading partners. Ottawa is now locked in an extraordinarily bitter war of words with the Republican, facing constant threats over its sovereignty.

Canada’s incoming prime minister Mark Carney struck a defiant note Sunday, vowing to stand up for “the Canadian way of life” and saying Canadians are “always ready” for a fight if needed.—AFP