Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Saturday that Canada will impose a 25 percent tariff on C$155 billion (US$106.5 billion) worth of U.S. goods in retaliation to recent U.S. tariffs. The first wave of tariffs, amounting to C$30 billion, will take effect from Tuesday, with the remaining C$125 billion to be implemented in 21 days.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing 25 percent tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico starting on Tuesday, except for Canadian energy products, which will be subject to a 10 percent duty.
Trudeau warned that the coming weeks would be challenging for Canadians and emphasized that Trump's tariffs would also have detrimental effects on Americans. Addressing Americans directly, he said, "They will raise costs for you, including food at the grocery store, gas at the pump. They will impede your access to an affordable supply of vital goods."
The Canadian leader specified that the tariffs would target American products such as beer, wine, bourbon, fruits, and fruit juices—including orange juice from Trump's home state of Florida. Additionally, Canada will target goods including clothing, sports equipment, and household appliances.
Canada is also contemplating non-tariff measures, potentially relating to critical minerals, energy procurement, and other partnerships, according to Trudeau.
He encouraged Canadians to support domestic businesses and consider vacationing within Canada rather than traveling to the U.S. "We didn't ask for this but we will not back down," Trudeau asserted.
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Trudeau announces 25 percent tariffs in response to Trump order
cgtn.com
