President Donald Trump said the US will put a 35% tariff on some imports from Canada, escalating the tensions between two countries that have impaired one of the world’s largest trading relationships.

The imbalance in President Trump’s treatment of America’s closest trading partners may come from his desire to make Canada the 51st state, some Canadians believe.

Canada minister Dominic LeBlanc expressed optimism that a deal could be reached to reduce the newly imposed 35% US tariffs on Canadian goods outside the USMCA. He hinted at upcoming talks between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump.