President Trump said in a social media post early Thursday that he will retaliate against the European Union and Canada if they collaborate to inflict economic harm on America, escalating the ongoing trade conflict.

Trump wrote, “If the European Union and Canada conspire to harm America economically, they will face large-scale tariffs to safeguard the best friend those countries have ever had!”

This latest proclamation by Trump intensifies the European Union’s already difficult position in responding to his tariffs on various goods and services.

The United States remains Europe’s most crucial trading partner, and considering Trump’s more serious threats, the European Union is forced to seek negotiation. However, the Trump administration appears reluctant to reach an agreement.

As Maros Sefcovic, the European Union’s trade commissioner, put it, “Ultimately, one hand cannot clap.”

This has prompted Europe to forge new alliances and strengthen existing trade relations. Shifting positions on military support by President Trump have pushed partners like the European Union and Canada closer together. Canada is already collaborating with Europe to support the continent’s push towards rearmament.