Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned the United States decision to impose tariffs on Canadian exports and energy.
Trudeau in a statement in reaction to imposition of 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada, stated that there was no justification for these actions, citing Canada's efforts to address the fentanyl crisis.
In response, Prime Minister announced that Canada will impose 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods, effective tomorrow (today).
Trudeau in the statement published on his website, emphasised that Canada will stand up for its economy, jobs, and workers, and urged the US administration to reconsider its tariffs.
The move is expected to disrupt trade relations and potentially lead to job losses in the US, Trudeau warned, noting that Americans will pay more for groceries, gas, and cars due to the tariffs.
The statement partly read: "Today, after a 30-day pause, the United States administration has decided to proceed with imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian energy. Let me be unequivocally clear - there is no justification for these actions.
"While less than 1 per cent of the fentanyl intercepted at the U.S. border comes from Canada, we have worked relentlessly to address this scourge that affects Canadians and Americans alike. We implemented a $1.3 billion border plan with new choppers, boots on the ground, more co-ordination, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.
"We appointed a Fentanyl Czar, listed transnational criminal cartels as terrorist organizations, launched the Joint Operational Intelligence Cell, and are establishing a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force on organized crime. Because of this work - in partnership with the United States - fentanyl seizures from Canada have dropped 97 per cent between December 2024 and January 2025 to a near-zero low of 0.03 pounds seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
"Canada will not let this unjustified decision go unanswered. Should American tariffs come into effect tonight, Canada will, effective 12:01 a.m. EST tomorrow, respond with 25 per cent tariffs against $155 billion of American goods - starting with tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately, and tariffs on the remaining $125 billion on American products in 21 days' time.
"Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures. While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their tariffs, Canada remains firm in standing up for our economy, our jobs, our workers, and for a fair deal.
"Because of the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Americans will pay more for groceries, gas, and cars, and potentially lose thousands of jobs. Tariffs will disrupt an incredibly successful trading relationship. They will violate the very trade agreement that was negotiated by President Trump in his last term."
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