Canada Hits Back: 25% Tariff Imposed on US Imports in Response to Trump’s Move

Ottawa (The Uttam Hindu): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Saturday that his country will impose 25% duties on many US imports in retaliation against President Donald Trump's new tariffs. He warned the Americans that Trump's decisions will have dire consequences for them. Trudeau said he was imposing tariffs on US goods worth 155 billion Canadian dollars (US$107 billion), amid a deterioration in relations between the old allies that share the world's longest land border.

According to media reports, the Canadian PM said that tariffs on US products worth 30 billion Canadian dollars will come into effect from Tuesday [the same day Trump's tariffs will also come into effect], and US products worth 125 billion Canadian dollars will be charged in 21 days. Trudeau's announcement came just hours after Trump ordered a 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on goods imported from China. However, only 10% tariff will be imposed on Canadian energy resources.

The US president's decision risks sparking a trade war that economists say could slow global growth and send inflation soaring again. The Canadian leader said the tariffs would include US beer, wine and bourbon as well as fruit and fruit juices, as well as orange juice from Trump's home state of Florida. Canada will target goods including clothing, sports equipment and household appliances.

Trudeau said the coming weeks will be tough for Canadians, but Trump's actions will also harm Americans. Trudeau encouraged Canadians to buy Canadian products and vacation in their country instead of the US. He said, "We didn't ask for this, but we won't back down."

Addressing American citizens during a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau said, "Tariffs against Canada will put your jobs at risk, potentially shutting down American auto assembly plants and other manufacturing centers. They will raise inflation, including the cost of food at the grocery store and fuel at the pump."