US President Donald Trump has threatened to increase tariffs on Canadian imports, blaming the country’s worsening wildfire smoke for severe air pollution affecting large parts of the United States.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump accused Canada of failing to properly manage its forests, saying the recurring wildfire smoke has imposed huge environmental and economic costs on the US.
He argued that the financial burden caused by the smoke should be reflected in the tariffs already imposed on Canadian goods, describing the situation as an annual problem that has cost the United States billions of dollars.
Trump also said he planned to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss measures his government intends to take to address the issue.
The remarks came as thick smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada continued to drift across the US, prompting air quality warnings in several states. Cities including Detroit, Chicago and Washington experienced unhealthy pollution levels, while authorities advised residents to limit outdoor activities.
Canadian officials, however, defended their response to the crisis. Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski said both countries have maintained close cooperation in tackling wildfires and noted that Canada has invested billions of dollars in forest sustainability and wildfire prevention over the past several years.
The smoke has also raised concerns ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey. Tournament organisers said they are closely monitoring air quality conditions, although weather experts expect gradual improvement before the match.
Meteorologists warned that changing wind patterns could still carry additional smoke into parts of the northeastern United States over the weekend, leaving forecasts uncertain.
Health experts cautioned that wildfire smoke contains fine particles capable of penetrating deep into the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory problems. They also noted that smoke from burning buildings and other materials can become more toxic as it travels through the atmosphere.
Scientists have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires to climate change, saying rising temperatures and drier conditions are creating longer and more destructive fire seasons.
Meanwhile, Canadian authorities continue to battle hundreds of active wildfires, with several communities evacuated as firefighters work to contain the blazes. Similar firefighting efforts are also ongoing in parts of Minnesota near the US-Canada border.
