Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Saturday that Canada will impose 25 percent tariffs on 155 billion Canadian dollars ($106.5 billion) worth of U.S. goods in response to new U.S. tariffs, marking a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two nations.
Trudeau detailed that an initial 30 billion Canadian dollars in tariffs would take effect from Tuesday, with the remaining 125 billion Canadian dollars being implemented in 21 days. This retaliatory move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing 25 percent tariffs on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico starting Tuesday, excluding Canadian energy products, which will face a 10 percent duty.
\"The coming weeks will be difficult for Canadians,\" Trudeau warned at a news conference, emphasizing that Trump's tariffs would also adversely affect Americans. Addressing the American public 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.\"
Canada's list of targeted U.S. goods includes American beer, wine, bourbon, fruits, and fruit juices, notably orange juice from Florida, President Trump's home state. Other items subject to tariffs are clothing, sports equipment, and household appliances.
Trudeau also revealed that Canada is considering non-tariff measures, potentially relating to critical minerals, energy procurement, and other partnerships, as part of its response strategy.
He encouraged Canadians to support domestic products and consider vacationing within Canada rather than traveling to the United States. \"We didn't ask for this but we will not back down,\" Trudeau affirmed, signaling a firm stance against the U.S. trade measures.
Reference(s):
Trudeau announces 25 percent tariffs in response to Trump order
cgtn.com
