By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Americans will be hit by a “Trump tariffs tax” if the US president-elect increases customs duties on Canadian products, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said on Friday, maintaining a firm stance to deliver an effective response in any trade war.
“This would be the biggest trade war between Canada and the US in decades,” Foreign Minister Joly said.
Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated as the 47th US president on Monday, has said he plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports as part of his economic and foreign policy plans. Mexico, China, and other trade partners are also targeted.
“The Americans would be starting a trade war against us.
“We are ready to put maximum pressure,” she said at a press conference in Washington, adding that Canada has a series of measures prepared if Trump carries out his threat, which would have a major impact on Canadian consumers and jobs.
Canada is considering higher duties on goods from the United States, including steel products, ceramics such as toilets and sinks, glassware, and orange juice, AFP quoted an Ottawa source as saying in a first phase of tariffs that could be extended against Washington.
“We will be strong and unequivocal in our defence of Canada and Canadians,” said outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“The proposed tariffs would put American jobs at risk, raise prices for American consumers, jeopardise our collective security, and raise costs across the continent.”
Experts have expressed concern that a trade war could cause Canadian GDP to fall by more than five per cent, significantly increase unemployment, and fuel inflation.
