Last Updated On 1 February 2025, 10:14 PM EST (Toronto Time)
In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions between Canada and the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a sweeping response to the latest American tariffs.
Effective immediately, Canada will impose a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, marking one of the most significant trade measures in recent history.
Below is the full breakdown of announcements made by the prime minister today.
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During his press conference tonight, Trudeau outlined the timeline and scope of Canada’s countermeasures:
$30 billion in tariffs will take effect immediately starting Tuesday.
An additional $125 billion in tariffs will be implemented within 21 days, giving Canadian businesses time to adjust supply chains and seek alternative sources.
The new tariffs will target a wide range of everyday American products, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: American beer, wine, and bourbon
Food & Produce: Fruits, fruit juices (including orange juice), and vegetables
Consumer Goods: Perfume, clothing, and shoes
Home & Lifestyle: Household appliances, furniture, and sports equipment
Raw Materials: Lumber, plastics, and other industrial materials
Trudeau emphasized that these measures are a direct response to the U.S. government’s latest trade policies, stating, “Like the American tariffs, our response will be far-reaching and include everyday items that Canadians purchase regularly.”
Beyond tariffs, Trudeau also revealed that Canada is considering non-tariff measures in collaboration with provinces and territories.
These could include restrictions related to critical minerals, energy procurement, and strategic partnerships.
In his address, Trudeau called on Canadians to stand together during this economic standoff, emphasizing the unity of the country:
“We are all in this together—our government, businesses, organized labour, Canadian civil society, and premiers from coast to coast to coast. This is Team Canada.”
He urged Canadians to support local industries by:
- Choosing Canadian-made products at the supermarket
- Opting for Canadian rye instead of Kentucky bourbon
- Skipping Florida orange juice in favor of domestic alternatives
- Planning vacations within Canada’s national parks and historic sites instead of traveling abroad
This bold move is expected to have major economic and diplomatic implications. Analysts predict potential retaliatory actions from the U.S., which could escalate the trade dispute further.
Meanwhile, Canadian businesses are bracing for potential supply chain disruptions while also exploring new opportunities in domestic and international markets.
All eyes are now focused on the U.S. administration’s response as Canada prepares to roll out its tariffs in stages.
Will Washington retaliate, or will this push both nations toward renegotiating trade terms? One thing is clear: Canada is not backing down.
Stay tuned for further updates as this trade battle unfolds.
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