Canada vows swift retaliation as U.S. tariffs loom
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday that Canada is prepared for a deliberate, energetic, yet reasonable, and immediate response to tariffs if the United States imposes them on imports from Canada. The White House announced a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on China.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that he would impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting Saturday, 1st February. Canada does not desire such measures, "but if he starts his actions, we will respond too," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday.
"I won't beat around the bush," said the Prime Minister, admitting that the coming weeks may be challenging for Canada. He assured the federal government, provincial governments, and local authorities would support Canadians.
According to President Trump, the announced tariffs are a response to, among other things, the alleged influx of illegal immigration and drugs from Canada. In recent weeks, Canada has increased border protection, and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc posted a video on Thursday explaining how Canada improved border security. Ottawa allocated approximately £770 million for this purpose, as Trudeau reminded on Friday, noting that only 1% of fentanyl enters the U.S. from Canada, just as only 1% of illegal immigrants to the U.S. cross the Canadian border.
Trudeau will attend the Canada–U.S. Relations Council meeting on Friday, which includes politicians, business representatives, and trade union members.
Talks are ongoing
Three Canadian government representatives, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, and Immigration Minister Marc Miller are in Washington on Friday to discuss the country with Republican politicians.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also responded to the announcement of tariffs. "We will always defend the dignity of our people, respect for our sovereignty and a dialogue as equals without subordination," she stated. She added that Mexico would wait for Trump's final decision and keep a cool head when making decisions.
Tariffs on China as well
On Friday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the plan to introduce tariffs on Canada and Mexico during a press conference. She could not specify whether the tariffs would also apply to oil, which the U.S. purchases in large quantities from these countries. Leavitt also announced that the United States would impose a 10% tariff on China.
