By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday threatened that his country will hit back at the United States with 25 percent levies on certain categories of American imports.
“Canada will be responding to the U.S. trade action with 25 percent tariffs against C$155 billion ($106 billion) worth of American goods,” he said, warning it could strain longstanding Canada-U.S. relations.
The first round of tariffs will target C$30 billion worth of U.S. goods on Tuesday, followed by further tariffs on C$125 billion worth of products in three weeks.
“We’re certainly not looking to escalate. But we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs,” Trudeau said.
The tariffs will apply to “everyday items such as American beer, wine, and bourbon, as well as fruits, vegetables, consumer appliances, lumber, and plastics,” he added—“with much, much more.”
U.S. President Donald Trump previously announced sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, citing a threat from illegal immigration and drugs.
Canadian exports to the U.S. will face a 25 percent tariff starting Tuesday, although energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10 percent levy.
Trudeau said the trade conflict would have “real consequences” for both Canadians and Americans, including job losses, higher food and gasoline costs, potential auto plant shutdowns, and restricted access to Canadian mineral resources such as nickel, potash, uranium, steel, and aluminum.
He offered a reminder that Canada has stood by the U.S. in its “darkest hours,” from the Iran hostage crisis and the war in Afghanistan to deadly natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the recent California wildfires.
“We’re always there, standing with you,” Trudeau said.
“If President Trump wants to usher in a new golden age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada, not to punish us.
“Unfortunately, today’s White House actions divide us instead of uniting us.”
