On Feb. 1, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on imports of Canadian goods. Trudeau addressed both Canadian and American citizens on what his next steps will be.
Only a few weeks into his presidency, Trump has taken much initiative to end illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs entering the country — even if that comes at the expense of American trade. Trudeau responded only hours after Trump decided to impose tariffs on Canadian goods. Trump’s actions were in the hope that Canada would strengthen its border control, as well as end the importation of drugs such as fentanyl and other drugs from illegally entering the U.S.
In addition to a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, this also includes a 10% tariff on its energy resources. Trudeau explained what he and Canadian manufacturers will do to combat Trump’s tariff war. Along with Canadian energy resources, this tariff will also include resources such as nickel, potash, uranium, steel and aluminum.
“Tonight, I am announcing Canada will be responding to the U.S. trade action with 25% tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods,” Trudeau said. “This will include immediate tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods as of Tuesday, followed by further tariffs on $125 billion worth of American products in 21 days time to allow Canadian companies and supply chains to seek to find alternatives.”
Trudeau also took time to announce to the American citizens that this tariff would be affecting them as well, warning them of what is to come.
“This is a choice that yes, will harm Canadians, but beyond that, it will have real consequences for you, the American people,” Trudeau said. “As I have consistently said, tariffs against Canada will put your jobs at risk, potentially shutting down American auto assembly plants and other manufacturing facilities.”
However, he reassured Americans that there are solutions to the current disagreement between the two nations.
“But it doesn’t have to be this way. As President John F. Kennedy said many years ago, ‘Geography has made us neighbors, history has made us friends, economics has made us partners and necessity has made us allies,’” Trudeau said, reminding Americans of the relationship that is possible without tariffs. “As I’ve said before, 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.”
Since the announcement of the counterattack on tariffs, on Feb. 4, Trump agreed to a pause on the tariffs for 30 days until both Mexico and Canada agree on tightening their border security.
“I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30-day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured,” Trump said on Truth Social.
While the implementation of the tariffs is yet to be fully enacted, there is still much time for negotiations between the two nations — a decision that will be impactful on the lives of millions of people across North America.
