Canada responds to additional US tariffs by imposing tariffs by its own on the US

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday that his country will impose a 25% tariff on C$155 billion ($106.5 billion) worth of US imports in retaliation for US tariffs.

Trudeau said at a news conference that $30 billion in tariffs would go into effect Tuesday, and $125 billion in tariffs would go into effect 21 days later.

On Saturday, the White House announced an additional 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, and 10 percent on imports from China.

The Canadian Prime Minister added at the press conference that his country’s response will be broad, and will include products such as alcoholic beverages, fruit and vegetable juices, perfumes, clothing, shoes, home appliances, furniture, sports equipment, wood and plastics.

“We’re considering a variety of non-tariff measures in response to the additional US tariffs, including some related to critical minerals, energy supplies and other partnerships,” Trudeau said.

Trudeau stressed that this situation would hurt Canadians economically, while creating significant consequences for the American people.

Addressing the American people, he added, “Tariffs imposed on Canada will put your jobs at risk, could close American auto assembly plants and other manufacturing facilities, and will increase your costs, including food and fuel prices”.

The Canadian prime minister said the tariffs would also deprive Americans of access to affordable goods and violate the two countries’ free trade agreement.

“If President Trump wants to launch a new golden age for the United States, the best way to do that is through partnership with Canada, not through punishing us,” he added.

From his part, in a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump commented on the decision to impose additional tariffs, saying, “We must protect Americans, and as President, it’s my duty to ensure the safety of all citizens… I promised during my campaign to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs across our borders, and Americans voted overwhelmingly to do so”.

Trump said the decision was made through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act because of the significant threat posed to American citizens by illegal immigrants and deadly drugs, including fentanyl.