Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods, urging Canadians to support local products.
Ottawa, February 2 – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of American goods, retaliating against US President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on Canadian imports.
Trudeau, addressing a press conference on Saturday, urged Canadians to support local businesses, choose homegrown products, and even rethink travel plans in favor of domestic tourism.
“Tonight, I am announcing that Canada will respond to US trade actions with 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods,” Trudeau declared.
“This includes an immediate $30 billion in tariffs starting Tuesday, followed by an additional $125 billion in 21 days to allow Canadian companies time to adjust.”
Tariffs Target Everyday American Goods
Canada’s retaliatory tariffs will be far-reaching, impacting a wide range of US products, including:
✅ Alcohol – American beer, wine, bourbon
✅ Food & Beverages – Fruits, fruit juices, vegetables
✅ Consumer Goods – Clothing, shoes, perfumes
✅ Home Essentials – Household appliances, furniture, sports equipment
✅ Raw Materials – Lumber, plastics
In addition, Trudeau hinted at non-tariff measures targeting critical minerals, energy procurement, and trade partnerships.
Trudeau’s Message: ‘Now Is the Time to Choose Canada’
Trudeau reassured Canadians that they are not alone in this economic standoff and emphasized national unity.
“We will stand strong for Canada. We will stand strong to ensure our countries continue to be the best neighbors in the world,” he said.
“Now is also the time to choose Canada. That means checking labels at the supermarket, picking Canadian-made products, and swapping Kentucky bourbon for Canadian rye. It means planning vacations within our own borders, exploring our national and provincial parks.”
Calls for Cooperation with the US Despite Tensions
Despite taking a strong stance against Trump’s tariffs, Trudeau emphasized that Canada remains open to collaboration.
“If President Trump truly wants to usher in a new golden age for the US, the best path is to partner with Canada, not punish us,” Trudeau stated.
“Canada has critical minerals, reliable energy, and stable democratic institutions that can help build a booming North American economy.”
Canada-US Border & Fentanyl Crisis
Trudeau also addressed border security concerns, highlighting Canada’s $1.3 billion border security plan, which aims to combat illegal crossings and fentanyl smuggling.
“Less than 1% of fentanyl and illegal crossings into the US come from Canada, but we are taking action,” he explained.
“Instead of working together to fix these challenges, today’s actions by the White House are dividing us instead of bringing us closer.”
US-Canada Relations: A Strained Partnership?
Trudeau’s tariff retaliation comes after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, along with a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing illegal immigration and drug trafficking concerns.
“I have implemented a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico (10% on Canadian energy) and a 10% additional tariff on China. This was done through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to protect Americans from illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
While US-Canada tensions are rising, Trudeau expressed hope for future dialogue, recalling past successful negotiations with Trump’s administration.
“We have solved challenging issues together before, and I look forward to doing that again,” Trudeau concluded.
Conclusion: A Brewing Economic Showdown
With both nations imposing heavy tariffs, the US-Canada trade war is expected to intensify, impacting businesses and consumers on both sides. Whether diplomacy will ease tensions or escalate the economic standoff further remains to be seen.
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US-Canada Trade War, Justin Trudeau, Donald Trump, Tariff Retaliation, US Trade Policy, Canada Economy, Trade Dispute, NAFTA, Border Security, Fentanyl Crisis, Buy Canadian, Economic Sanctions