Canada will hit back at US tariffs with 25% levies of its own on select American goods, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday, February 1.
“Canada will be responding to the US trade action with 25% tariffs against CA$155 billion [US$106 billion] worth of American goods,” he said in a dramatic tone as he warned of a fracture in longstanding Canada-US ties.
The first round of tariffs would target CA$30 billion worth of US goods on Tuesday followed by further tariffs on CA$125 billion worth of products in three weeks.
“We’re certainly not looking to escalate. But we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs,” Trudeau said.
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.”
US President Donald Trump earlier announced broad tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, citing a threat from illegal immigration and drugs. Canadian exports to the United States will face a 25% tariff starting Tuesday, although energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% levy.
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