Ottawa (TDI): Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a firm response against US tariffs, rejecting the measures as unjustified.
He outlined Canada’s retaliatory strategy against 25 percent levy on Canadian exports and a 10 percent tariff on Canadian energy.
The ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States started following the US administration’s decision to impose new tariffs on Canadian exports.
Prime Minister Trudeau underlined the lack of justification for these actions, stressing Canada’s extensive efforts to combat the illicit fentanyl trade, a key issue cited by the US administration in its rationale for the tariffs.
The Canadian government has also taken crucial measures, such as appointing a Fentanyl Czar, designating transnational criminal cartels as terrorist organizations, and establishing a Joint Operational Intelligence Cell alongside the United States.
Read More: US Imposes Tariffs on Canada, Mexico
Despite that the US administration has proceeded with the tariff imposition, triggering a decisive response from Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement on unjustified U.S. tariffs against Canada: https://t.co/t2eD8gTvlx
— CanadianPM (@CanadianPM) March 4, 2025
Prime Minister Trudeau announced that should the tariffs take effect, Canada would introduce countermeasures in the form of 25 percent tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods.
The initial phase of the response will see immediate tariffs on $30 billion worth of US imports, with the remaining $125 billion to be subject to similar measures within 21 days.
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These countermeasures, according to the Prime Minister, will remain in place as long as the US tariffs persist.
Prime Minister Trudeau also cautioned that the US decision to impose tariffs would have far-reaching repercussions not only for Canada but also for American consumers and industries.
He warned that the additional trade barriers would drive up costs for essential goods, including groceries, fuel, and automobiles, while also threatening job security for thousands of American workers.
The prime minister added that such actions contradict the very principles of free and fair trade protected in the North American trade agreement, which was negotiated during the administration of President Trump.
The Canadian government has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its economy, workers, and industries.
A dedicated writer and avid observer of the evolving world of international relations. My passion for geopolitics was ignited during my academic journey, where I excelled in competitive exams, and it has since become the cornerstone of my writing career. I am driven by an insatiable curiosity about the complex interplay of global forces that shape our world.
