Canada will retaliate against U.S. tariffs by imposing a 25 per cent levy on selected American goods, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Saturday.
“Canada will be responding to the US trade action with 25 per cent tariffs against Can$155 billion ($106 billion) worth of American goods,” he said in a dramatic tone as he warned of a fracture in longstanding Canada-US ties.
The first round of tariffs would target Can$30 billion worth of US goods on Tuesday followed by further tariffs on Can$125 billion worth of products in three weeks.
“We’re certainly not looking to escalate. But we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs,” Trudeau said.
The tariffs will target “everyday items” such as American beer, wine, and bourbon, as well as fruits, vegetables, consumer appliances, lumber, and plastics—”with much, much more,” Trudeau added.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, citing threats from illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Starting Tuesday, Canadian exports to the U.S. will face a 25% tariff, while energy resources from Canada will be subject to a lower 10% levy.
Trudeau warned that the trade dispute will have “real consequences” not only for Canadians but also for Americans, including job losses, increased costs for food and gasoline, potential shutdowns of auto assembly plants, and restricted access to Canadian nickel, potash, uranium, steel, and aluminum.
‘Divide Us’
He also reminded the U.S. that Canada has stood by its side during its “darkest hours,” from the Iran hostage crisis and the war in Afghanistan to devastating natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the recent California wildfires.
“We’re always there, standing with you. If President Trump wants to usher in a new golden age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada, not to punish us,” Trudeau said.
“Unfortunately, the actions taken today by the White House split us apart instead of bringing us together,” the PM added.
Earlier, Trudeau consulted with provincial premiers, who later announced plans to take additional measures, including removing U.S. alcohol from local store shelves and immediately seeking to diversify trade partnerships.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith condemned the U.S. tariffs as a “mutually destructive policy” that would “strain the important relationship and alliance between our two nations.”
British Columbia Premier David Eby went even further, calling the tariffs “a complete betrayal of the historic bond between our countries.”
“This is a declaration of economic war against a trusted ally and friend,” he said, warning that the damage to U.S.-Canada relations would be long-lasting.
“We will never again allow ourselves to be at the mercy of one person in the White House,” he added.
Meanwhile, at an NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild in Ottawa, a sold-out crowd booed the U.S. national anthem before the game began.
