President Donald Trump threatened Saturday to impose new 10% tariffs on imports from several European countries. It could unravel months of progress made during trade negotiations settled after Trump’s trade war last year.

Canola oil and electric cars are at the centre of the deal agreed by Mark Carney and Xi Jinping after years of strained ties.

Current discussions about tariffs focus on their use by U.S. President Donald Trump to advance American interests. But tariffs have been used in Canada since 1879 when John A. Macdonald’s National Policy set out to promote immigration,

Mark Carney visits Beijing hoping to diversify Canada’s economic partnerships. But trade with the US remains vital, even as tariffs bite and security worries about Donald Trump’s intentions grow.

Canada has long stuck closely to the US on China policy, even through a diplomatic crisis over high-profile prisoners. Along with historic trade ties, that alignment is now cracking.