US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose higher tariffs on Canadian imports, arguing that the growing cost of wildfire smoke drifting into the United States should be reflected in trade measures.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump blamed Canada for what he described as poor forest management, saying the recurring smoke pollution has become an annual problem costing the US billions of dollars.
He alleged that Canada had failed to properly maintain its forests through adequate debris removal and wildfire prevention measures.
“This is willful negligence and is becoming a yearly occurrence. The cost of this pollution must be added to the tariffs Canada is currently paying,” Trump said.
The US president also disclosed plans to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss what steps Canada intends to take to address the worsening wildfire situation.
The remarks came as dense smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada continued to spread across several American states, prompting widespread air quality alerts.
According to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, Canada had 937 active wildfires as of Saturday, with the majority still burning out of control.
Responding to Trump’s criticism, Canada’s Minister of Emergency Management, Eleanor Olszewski, said both countries remain in constant communication over wildfire response efforts. She noted that Canada has invested approximately $12 billion in forest sustainability and wildfire prevention initiatives since 2020.
The smoke has significantly affected air quality across parts of the United States. Detroit ranked as the world’s most polluted city on Friday, according to air quality monitoring platform IQAir, while Washington, Chicago and several northeastern cities also experienced unhealthy conditions.
Authorities in several states urged residents, especially vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor activities as smoke continued to spread.
Concerns have also been raised over Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, where officials are closely monitoring air quality conditions.
Although conditions improved slightly in parts of New York and New Jersey after thick haze reduced visibility on Thursday, the US National Weather Service warned that smoke levels could increase again overnight into Saturday.
Meteorologists said changing wind patterns over the Great Lakes could push additional smoke into the Northeast, though forecasts suggest air quality may gradually improve before the weekend’s sporting events.
Across affected cities, many residents wore face masks outdoors, while public libraries and train stations in New York distributed masks free of charge.
Health experts warned that wildfire smoke poses serious health risks because it contains tiny particles capable of penetrating deep into the lungs. In addition to burning trees and vegetation, wildfire smoke may also carry toxic particles released from burning plastics, paint and metals.
Scientists have also linked the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires to climate change, noting that rising temperatures and prolonged dry conditions are extending wildfire seasons and allowing fires to burn for longer periods.
Meanwhile, firefighting operations continue in Canada, particularly in Ontario, where numerous remote communities have been evacuated as emergency crews battle the expanding blazes. In neighbouring Minnesota, firefighters are also working to contain multiple active wildfires near the Canadian border.
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