Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared on Saturday that Canada will impose 25% tariffs on C$155 billion ($106.5 billion) worth of U.S. goods. This decisive move comes as a direct response to recent U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian products.
The initial phase will see tariffs on C$30 billion of goods effective from Tuesday, with the remaining C$125 billion to follow in 21 days. Addressing the nation from Ottawa, Trudeau emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the upcoming weeks would be challenging for Canadians.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico, commencing on Tuesday. Notably, Canadian energy products were exempted from this order, facing a lesser duty of 10%.
Trudeau voiced concerns not just for Canada but also for the American populace. He cautioned that these tariffs would adversely affect consumers on both sides of the border. “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,” he remarked, directly addressing Americans.
The range of U.S. goods targeted by Canada's tariffs is extensive. They include American beer, wine, bourbon, and a variety of fruits and fruit juices—specifically mentioning orange juice from Florida, Trump's home state. Other items facing tariffs encompass clothing, sports equipment, and household appliances.
Beyond tariffs, Canada is exploring non-tariff measures that could impact areas such as critical minerals, energy procurement, and other bilateral partnerships. These considerations underscore the depth of Canada's strategic response to the U.S. trade actions.
In a call for national unity and economic resilience, Trudeau encouraged Canadians to support domestic products and consider traveling within Canada instead of visiting the U.S. “We didn't ask for this but we will not back down,” he affirmed, highlighting Canada's steadfast position in the unfolding trade dispute.
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Trudeau announces 25 percent tariffs in response to Trump order
cgtn.com
