Canada will retaliate against President Donald Trump’s newly announced tariffs by imposing 25% duties on a range of U.S. goods, including beverages and appliances, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Saturday (February 1).
As tensions escalate between the long-time allies who share the world’s longest land border, Trudeau revealed at a news conference that Canada would apply tariffs on C$155 billion ($107 billion) worth of American goods.
Duties on C$30 billion will take effect on Tuesday, coinciding with Trump’s tariffs, while levies on the remaining C$125 billion will be implemented within 21 days.
Trudeau’s move follows Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports and 10% on Chinese goods, a move economists warn could ignite a trade war, slow global growth, and drive inflation higher.
“The coming weeks will be difficult for Canadians,” Trudeau cautioned, adding that Trump’s tariffs would also have consequences for American consumers.
Addressing the U.S. directly, he warned, “They will raise costs for you, including food at the grocery store, gas at the pump. They will impede your access to an affordable supply of vital goods.”
Canada’s countermeasures will target American alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and bourbon, as well as fruits and fruit juices, including orange juice from Trump’s home state of Florida.
Additionally, the tariffs will apply to products such as clothing, sports equipment, and household appliances.
Beyond tariffs, Trudeau said Canada is exploring non-tariff measures, potentially involving “critical minerals, energy procurement, and other partnerships.”
Encouraging national support, he urged Canadians to “buy Canadian products and vacation at home rather than in the U.S.” Emphasizing his government’s firm stance, Trudeau declared, “We didn’t ask for this, but we will not back down.”
Source-tbsnews
