Trudeau says Canada will respond firmly to ‘unacceptable’ U.S. tariffs

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made it clear that Canada will respond firmly to the Trump administration’s threatened 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum. Speaking at an international summit in Paris, Trudeau called the tariffs “unacceptable” and emphasized that they would be unjustified, considering the close economic relationship between the United States and Canada.

Trudeau stated that the Canadian government will work with the Trump administration to highlight the potential negative impacts of these tariffs on both countries. However, he stopped short of confirming whether Canada would implement dollar-for-dollar countermeasures in response to the tariffs.

The U.S. President, Donald Trump, signed orders on Monday evening imposing the tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including those from Canada. The tariffs are set to take effect on March 12th. When asked about the possibility of Canada reciprocating with matching tariffs, Trudeau expressed hope that such measures would not be necessary. Nevertheless, he affirmed that Canada would stand up for its workers and industries if needed.

During the summit, Trudeau also engaged in discussions with U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance, highlighting the potential impact of the tariffs on Ohio, Vance’s home state. Ohio could face increased prices on consumer goods and challenges in reviving its steelmaking industry due to the trade war.

Trudeau is currently collaborating with international leaders to coordinate a response to the tariffs. He is scheduled to travel to Brussels to meet with European Union leaders and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Meanwhile, Trump has defended the tariffs as a way to boost American production and has made disparaging remarks about Canada’s sovereignty.

The situation remains tense as both countries navigate the implications of these tariffs on various industries and economies. Trudeau’s firm stance on protecting Canadian interests while maintaining a constructive dialogue with the U.S. government reflects the complexity of the current trade dispute. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.