In response to the sweeping trade restrictions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Canada has announced a decisive countermeasure, implementing 25% tariffs on a range of American goods. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a resolute address on Saturday, declared that these levies would affect Canadian imports valued at Can$155 billion ($106 billion), signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing trade dispute.
The initial phase of these tariffs, targeting Can$30 billion worth of U.S. products, is set to take effect on Tuesday, with an additional Can$125 billion worth of goods facing similar duties in the coming weeks. Trudeau underscored that while Canada seeks no further deterioration in trade relations, it will steadfastly defend its economy, workforce, and national interests.
The retaliatory duties will be imposed on widely consumed American goods, including beer, bourbon, wine, fresh produce, home appliances, timber, and plastics—among numerous others, he affirmed.
Trump’s administration had earlier justified its broad tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China by citing concerns over illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking. As a consequence, Canadian exports to the U.S. will now be subjected to a 25% tariff, with a reduced 10% levy applied to Canadian energy exports.
Trudeau warned that the economic repercussions of this standoff would extend beyond Canada’s borders, impacting American consumers and businesses alike. He forewarned of potential job losses, increased food and fuel prices, disruptions in automotive manufacturing, and restricted access to key Canadian resources such as nickel, potash, uranium, steel, and aluminum.
In a pointed reminder of Canada’s longstanding solidarity with the United States, Trudeau referenced moments of shared history—from supporting the U.S. during the Iran hostage crisis and the war in Afghanistan to assisting in disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina and the California wildfires.
“We have always stood beside you,” he asserted. “If President Trump envisions a prosperous new era for the United States, the path forward should be through partnership with Canada, not through economic aggression.”
Lamenting the White House’s actions, Trudeau expressed regret that these tariffs were deepening divisions rather than fostering unity between the two allies.
Following Trudeau’s announcement, Canadian provincial leaders convened to discuss additional countermeasures, with some pledging to remove American liquor from store shelves and accelerate efforts to diversify trade partnerships beyond the U.S.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith denounced the U.S. tariffs as a “self-destructive maneuver” that would weaken bilateral relations, while British Columbia Premier David Eby went even further, branding the tariffs a “betrayal” of the historically strong economic bond between the two nations.
“This is nothing short of an economic offensive against a loyal ally,” Eby stated, cautioning that the ramifications of this rift could endure far beyond the current administration. “Never again will Canada allow itself to be at the mercy of a single occupant in the White House.”
Meanwhile, discontent over the escalating trade tensions spilled into the cultural sphere. During an NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and the Minnesota Wild in Ottawa, a packed stadium jeered as the U.S. national anthem played, a stark indication of the growing resentment among Canadians.
With both nations digging in their heels, the economic and diplomatic repercussions of this trade conflict appear poised to intensify, testing the resilience of one of the world’s closest alliances.
AFP
