"Stop Taking Advantage of the US": US Vice President Slams Canada, Accusing It of Being a 'Backdoor' for Chinese Goods

US Vice President JD Vance delivered remarks and answered questions on August 24 (Eastern Time) at Compotech, a defense technology and advanced manufacturing company in Brewer, Maine, where he sharply criticized Canada's trade policies, claiming they favor Chinese goods over American products and effectively make Canada a 'backdoor' for Chinese goods entering the US market.

At the Compotech event, Vance stated that US-Canada trade negotiations are ongoing, and while he respects the process, he emphasized: "We know Canada has allowed itself to be used as a backdoor for Chinese goods. They treat Chinese products more fairly than goods from the people of Maine. This is sheer insanity. We've already told Canada: stop doing this."

He further explained that Canada and China are among the two worst countries globally in terms of trade policy. While such behavior from China—the US's biggest economic rival—might be expected, it is unacceptable from a long-standing ally like Canada. "With China, you naturally expect it—they're our largest economic competitor. I expect China to act this way. But I don't expect Canada to do so," Vance said.

Regarding US-Canada trade talks, Vance said he initially believed both sides were close to an agreement, but Canada presented "a bunch of unreasonable last-minute demands" that derailed the negotiations. "Frankly, I thought we had a deal. I believe we should have had one, but we need to send a clear and loud message to the Canadian Prime Minister: stop taking advantage of the people of Maine, stop exploiting the United States. It's over. We demand fairness in trade policy."

Vance specifically cited dairy tariffs as an example of bilateral imbalance. He noted that if a Maine farmer exports dairy products to Canada, they could face tariffs as high as 250%, whereas Canadian dairy entering Maine faces virtually zero tariffs. "Now, Maine farmers pay 250%, and Canadian farmers pay nothing. How is that fair to Maine farmers? This kind of unfairness is exactly what we must fix."

On the same day, Vance also addressed Canada's inadequate military investment. In a slip of the tongue, he said, "We must remember, Canada is a state—sorry, that's a Freudian slip. That was actually accidental." He quickly corrected himself: "Canada is a country, and it is underinvesting in defense. Without the protection umbrella provided by the United States, it would literally be invaded by foreign powers." He questioned how Canada could enjoy US military protection while imposing "absurd tariffs and non-tariff barriers" on Maine products and not anticipate pushback from Maine or the US. "We've had enough. We will actually retaliate against unfair trade practices, whether they come from China or Canada."

The event took place at Compotech, which Vance described as the fastest-growing manufacturer in Maine, operating in the defense sector and providing materials that protect troops. He emphasized that Trump administration policies helped support such American-made businesses. The event also served as a platform to endorse Republican candidates, including former Governor Paul LePage, running for Congress, and incumbent Senator Susan Collins, seeking re-election.

Previously, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated he rejected a "bad deal," though compromise remains possible, and pledged to implement a "one dollar for one dollar" retaliatory measure starting September 8 against US steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics. Trump posted on social media his plan to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian automobiles, auto parts, and steel beginning January 2027, stating, "Canada has been taking advantage of the United States for decades."

In response to questions about how tariffs might affect Maine businesses and consumers, Vance said the government fully recognizes that Maine is a border state with Canada, involving significant cross-border transactions. "What we're trying to do here is ensure Maine truly gets a fair deal." He stressed that negotiations continue and reiterated, "We expect fairness in trade policy."