Trade War: Canada will hit US with retaliatory tariffs, ‘real consequences’ –Trudeau

*Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau avers the emerging trade conflict between his country and the United States will have ‘real consequences’ for Canadians but also for Americans, including job losses, higher costs for food and gasoline, potential shutdowns of auto assembly plants, and impeded access to Canadian nickel, potash, uranium, steel and aluminum

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to United States (US) President Donald Trump’s earlier repeated announcements of broad tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, the Canadian Government has declared it will hit back at US tariffs with 25 percent levies of its own on select American goods.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who stated this in a dramatic tone Saturday, February 1, 2025, warned of a fracture in longstanding Canada-US ties, agency report said.

Trudeau asserted: “Canada will be responding to the US trade action with 25 percent tariffs against Can$155 billion ($106 billion) worth of American goods.”

The Prime Minister also disclosed the first round of tariffs would target Can$30 billion worth of US goods Tuesday, followed by further tariffs on Can$125 billion worth of products in three weeks.

He declared: “We’re certainly not looking to escalate. But we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs.”

According to the Canadian leader, the tariffs will apply to “everyday items”, such as American beer, wine and bourbon as well as fruits, vegetables, consumer appliances, lumber and plastics, he added — “with much, much more.”

It is recalled that US President Trump has boldly announced broad tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, citing a threat from illegal immigration and drugs.

The US Government noted the Canadian exports to the United States would face a 25 percent tariff, starting Tuesday, although energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10 percent levy.

There are ‘real consequences’ for Canadians but also for Americans: Trudeau

Trudeau said the trade conflict will have “real consequences” for Canadians but also for Americans, including job losses, higher costs for food and gasoline, potential shutdowns of auto assembly plants, and impeded access to Canadian nickel, potash, uranium, steel and aluminum.

Warning against splitting apart the two major American countries, Prime Minister Trudeau further reminded the US that Canada has been at its side in the US “darkest hours” from the Iran hostage crisis and war in Afghanistan, to deadly natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and the recent California wildfires.

He recalled: “We’re always there, standing with you.

“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.”

“Unfortunately, the actions taken today by the White House split us apart instead of bringing us together.”

Earlier, Trudeau had consulted with provincial premiers, who each said afterward that they would take additional measures, such as taking US booze off local store shelves and seeking to immediately diversify their trade relationships, report said.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the US tariffs a “mutually destructive policy” that will “strain the important relationship and alliance between our two nations.”

British Columbia Premier David Eby went further in calling the US tariffs “a complete betrayal of the historic bond between our countries.”

Eby asserted: “It’s a declaration of economic war against a trusted ally and friend,” he said, warning that damage to the relationship will be lasting.

“We will never again allow ourselves to be beholden to the whims of one person in the White House.”