New Delhi, Jan. 25 -- President Donald Trump's latest tariff threats may signal an early escalation in what's expected to be months of volatile posturing as the US, Canada and Mexico prepare to review their trade pact this year.

On Saturday, Trump criticized Mark Carney for expanding economic ties with China, saying the prime minister would be "sorely mistaken" to think the US will allow Canada to be a "drop off port" for Chinese goods. He threatened 100% tariffs on the northern nation if it reaches a trade deal with China.

Canada's minister in charge of US trade, Dominic LeBlanc, pushed back, saying there was "no pursuit of a free trade agreement with China." Last week's limited deal between Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping was ...