Canada has imposed 25% tariffs on some US imports in retaliation to the recent trade war launched by President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the move “a very dumb thing to do” and accused Trump of wanting to ruin the Canadian economy.
Trudeau announced the tariffs on Tuesday, which will apply to $30 billion worth of US imports, with an additional $125 billion in 21 days’ time if necessary. The Canadian government has also pledged to help businesses affected by the tariffs through expanded employment insurance benefits and direct support.
The move is part of a broader dispute between Canada and the US over trade policies, which has already led to tensions between the two countries. Economists warn that the tariffs could lead to a recession in Canada unless they are lifted quickly.
Trump responded by saying the Canadian retaliatory tariffs would be met with immediate reciprocal tariffs of the same size. The two leaders have had strained relations in recent months, with Trump repeatedly calling for Canada to join the US as the 51st state and mocking Trudeau’s title as prime minister.
The situation has sparked a wave of nationalist sentiment in Canada, with some provinces imposing their own tariffs on US imports and sports fans booing US teams at hockey games. Trudeau vowed to fight back against what he called “bad faith” by Trump, saying Canadians will not be intimidated or bullied into backing down from the dispute.
Canada’s close economic ties with the US make it vulnerable to the impact of the trade war, which could lead to higher prices and reduced exports for Canadian businesses. The Canadian government has promised to take action to mitigate the effects of the tariffs, but the situation remains uncertain.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/canada-is-imposing-25-tariffs-30-bln-us-imports-says-trudeau-2025-03-04