Canada will retaliate against U.S. tariffs with 25% duties on select American products, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed Saturday. In a statement with serious implications, Trudeau said Canada would impose tariffs on up to CAD 155 billion (USD 106 billion) worth of U.S. goods in response to the U.S. trade actions.
The first wave of tariffs, beginning Tuesday, will target around CAD 30 billion in U.S. imports, with a second round hitting an additional CAD 125 billion in three weeks. “We’re not looking to escalate, but we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, and for Canadian jobs,” Trudeau emphasized.
The tariffs will affect a variety of everyday U.S. goods, including beer, wine, and bourbon, as well as fruits, vegetables, home appliances, lumber, and plastics. U.S. exports to Canada will face a 25% tariff, while Canadian energy products will be subject to a 10% levy.
Trudeau warned that the trade dispute would have “real consequences” for both Canada and the U.S., with potential job losses, higher food and gas prices, shutdowns of auto plants, and disruptions in access to Canadian resources such as nickel, uranium, and steel.
Reiterating Canada’s longstanding alliance with the U.S., Trudeau pointed out that Canada has been a reliable partner during critical moments, from the Iran hostage crisis to natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and recent California wildfires. “If President Trump wants a golden age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada, not punish us,” Trudeau said. “Sadly, today’s actions from the White House are pulling us apart instead of bringing us together.”
Following Trudeau’s remarks, provincial leaders, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, expressed their concern, with Smith describing the tariffs as a “mutually destructive policy.” British Columbia Premier David Eby went further, calling it a “complete betrayal” and a “declaration of economic war.” Eby vowed that Canada would no longer allow itself to be dictated by one individual in the White House.
The ongoing tensions even found their way into an NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild, where the crowd booed during the U.S. national anthem in Ottawa.
