Canada Responds to Potential U.S. Tariffs

OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada will respond immediately and forcefully if the United States imposes tariffs, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned on Friday, indicating potential challenges for Canadians.

President Donald Trump set a Saturday deadline to implement a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, aiming for stronger measures to combat illegal immigration and the opioid fentanyl crisis in the U.S.

Speaking to an advisory council on Canada-U.S. relations, Trudeau emphasized that Canada is at a critical juncture. “We’re ready with a response – a purposeful, forceful but reasonable, immediate response. It’s not what we want, but if he moves forward, we will also act,” he stated, revealing that all options are under consideration.

Canada relies heavily on the U.S. market, exporting 75% of its goods and services there, which means Trump’s tariffs could severely impact Canada’s economy.

“I won’t sugarcoat it – our nation could be facing difficult times in the coming days and weeks,” Trudeau acknowledged. He reassured Canadians, stating, “I know they might be anxious and worried, but I want them to know the federal government, and indeed, all orders of government, have their backs.”