Kevin O’Leary warns Canada against closer China ties as Trump threatens 100% tariffs
Kevin O’Leary warned Canada against closer trade ties with China, calling Beijing an “economic and military and AI enemy,” while former President Trump threatened 100% tariffs on Canadian imports amid fears China could use Canada as a gateway to the U.S.
- Fox Business: O’Leary urged Canada not to pursue closer trade links with China, calling Beijing an “economic and military and AI enemy.”
- Trump’s posts: Former President Trump warned China would “eat Canada alive” and threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian imports.
- Fox Business video: Economist Steve Moore criticized allies for “cozying up” to China.
- Local impact: Fresno’s agriculture, supply chains, and prices could be affected if tariffs or trade frictions disrupt North American commerce.
O’Leary’s warning on Fox Business
Kevin O’Leary, known from Shark Tank, made blunt remarks on Fox Business‘s The Claman Countdown.
“China is not your friend,” O’Leary said, calling Beijing an “economic and military and AI enemy to both Canada and the United States.”
He framed the remarks around the deep U.S.-Canada economic link: 36 U.S. states list Canada as their top export destination and roughly 70% of some Canadian output flows to 26 U.S. states. O’Leary warned any Chinese inroads into Canada could therefore harm U.S. economic security.
Trump’s social posts and tariff threat
Former President Donald Trump posted that Canada could be “used as a gateway” for Chinese goods into the U.S., warned China would “eat Canada alive,” and threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian imports if warranted. Those posts amplified the story and raised concerns among cross-border business leaders.
Who spoke for Canada?
Media reports quote Mark Carney saying Canada has “no intention of pursuing a free trade deal with China” and that a recent agreement only cuts tariffs in some sectors. Note: Mark Carney is a former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England; he is not Canada’s prime minister. The reporting did not make clear in what capacity Carney made those remarks. The primary citation is Fox Business.
Industry voices and related commentary
Economist Steve Moore criticized allied countries for “cozying up” to China during a related segment (Fox Business video). Other coverage highlighted O’Leary’s prediction that despite heated rhetoric, the U.S. and Canada will ultimately “unite” economically and reach agreements to keep trade flowing (AOL; Fox News video).
What’s missing from public reports
Available reports (as of late 2025) focus on public statements by O’Leary, Trump and commentators; they do not present detailed terms of any Canada-China agreement or a sector-by-sector tariff list. Coverage centers on political and strategic rhetoric rather than exact trade measures.
Implications for Fresno, California
Economic impact
Fresno’s economy—rooted in agriculture and food processing—could see higher input costs and altered demand if tariffs or trade disruptions affect cross-border flows. Tariffs or retaliatory measures may raise prices for equipment, fertilizer, or parts that move through North American supply chains.
Jobs and local employers
Higher trade barriers can slow growth for firms that rely on international supply chains. Fresno’s packing houses, cold storage facilities and trucking firms could experience shifts in volume. Conversely, some local manufacturers might gain if imports drop and domestic sourcing rises, though gains would be uneven.
Consumers and prices
Tariffs between the U.S. and Canada could push up consumer prices for goods dependent on cross-border inputs. For Fresno residents, that may mean higher grocery bills or increased costs for goods transported across North America.
Regional logistics and ports
Fresno depends on West Coast ports and rail. Trade disruptions could change port traffic and rail patterns, creating congestion or shifts that ripple into local trucking and warehousing.
Political and community effects
Economic uncertainty tied to high-profile rhetoric can influence local public discussions about trade and jobs. Local leaders may press for clear policy direction and contingency plans rather than heated national rhetoric.
Practical steps local leaders can weigh
- Monitor federal policy: Fresno officials and business groups should track developments and communicate quickly with producers and processors.
- Contingency planning: Chambers of commerce and ag associations can diversify buyers, line up alternative suppliers, and explore support for affected workers.
- Supply-chain coordination: Prepare for logistics shifts—ports, rail and trucking—to reduce disruptions to time-sensitive agricultural shipments.
Sources and reporting notes
- Fox Business, “Kevin O’Leary warns Canada over China ties; Trump threatens 100% tariff on northern neighbor,” Oct. 2025.
- Fox Business video with Steve Moore.
- AOL News coverage of O’Leary’s comments.
- Fox News video related to O’Leary’s prediction.
Reporting for a Fresno audience explains how national-level statements—from Kevin O’Leary, former President Trump and commentators—could translate into local economic and political effects. The story is driven by public comments and available reporting; specific trade terms and tariff lists were not available in cited reporting.
