Canadian PM. Justin Trudeau
By Akeem Atoyebi
Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, on Saturday, disclosed retaliatory tariffs against the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on Canadian imports.
While speaking during a press conference on Saturday, Trudeau stated that “Tonight, I am announcing Canada will be responding to the US trade action with 25% tariffs against 155 billion dollars worth of American goods.”
He noted that $30 billion worth of goods would be subject to immediate tariffs starting Tuesday, with an additional $125 billion in tariffs to be introduced in 21 days to give Canadian businesses time to adjust.
The tariffs will target a range of US exports to Canada, including alcohol, fruits, clothing, and shoes, as well as household appliances, furniture, lumber, and plastics.
Trudeau also revealed that Canada is exploring further non-tariff measures in coordination with provincial and territorial governments. “And as part of our response, we are considering with the provinces and territories several non-tariff measures, including some relating to critical minerals, energy procurement and other partnerships,” he said.
Trump’s tariffs, which were implemented earlier on Saturday, include a 25% duty on Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports. The US president framed the decision as a necessary step to address illegal immigration and the fentanyl crisis.
In a post on X, he wrote, “Today, I have implemented a 25% Tariff on Imports from Mexico and Canada (10% on Canadian Energy), and a 10% additional Tariff on China. This was done through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) because of the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs killing our Citizens, including fentanyl.
“We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all. I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favour of it.”
However, a 2022 Congressional Commission report found that Canada is not a major source of fentanyl or other synthetic opioids entering the US.
Trudeau, who recently announced his resignation as leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, stated that he had not spoken with Trump since his January 20 inauguration but remained open to dialogue.
He said, “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. Canada has critical minerals, reliable and affordable energy, stable democratic institutions, shared values, and the natural resources you need. Canada has the ingredients necessary to build a booming and secure partnership for the North American economy, and we stand at the ready to work together.”
