Canada announces retaliatory 25% tariffs on U.S. imports after Trump’s new trade measures, escalating tensions and risking economic fallout.
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese imports, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Saturday that Canada will impose 25% tariffs on a range of U.S. goods. The move signals a significant escalation in trade tensions between the neighboring countries.
Trudeau stated that tariffs on C$30 billion ($21 billion) worth of U.S. goods will take effect on Tuesday, coinciding with Trump’s measures, while duties on an additional C$125 billion will be implemented within three weeks. The Canadian government is also considering further non-tariff measures targeting critical minerals, energy procurement, and trade partnerships.
The affected U.S. imports include beer, wine, bourbon, fruits, fruit juices, clothing, sports equipment, and household appliances. Trudeau warned that the tariffs would impact American jobs and raise consumer costs, particularly in the automotive sector and daily essentials such as groceries and fuel.
“Tariffs against Canada will put your jobs at risk, potentially shutting down American auto assembly plants and other manufacturing facilities,” Trudeau said, directly addressing U.S. citizens during a press conference in Ottawa.
The announcement comes amid Trudeau’s declining approval ratings and a leadership transition within Canada’s Liberal Party. Despite political uncertainty at home, the prime minister emphasized Canada’s historical partnership with the U.S., urging Canadians to support domestic products and vacation within Canada rather than traveling to the U.S.
“We didn’t ask for this, but we will not back down,” he affirmed.
With Canada’s economy deeply intertwined with U.S. trade—accounting for over 17% of its GDP and supporting more than 2.4 million jobs—the coming weeks are expected to bring heightened economic uncertainty.
