The outgoing prime minister promised a “strong and robust” response if the U.S. pursues 25% tariffs on Canadian products.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned Thursday that his country would respond with retaliatory tariffs if the United States follows through with its plan to impose sweep tariffs on Canadian products.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Trudeau promised that Canada would respond with a “strong and robust response” to ensure that newly installed President Donald Trump does good with the promised tariffs. As Valentine’s Day or April 1st or anytime
“We don’t want this, but we will respond if necessary,” Trudeau said of potential retaliatory tariffs.
Canadian lawmakers are currently considering widespread cleaning retaliatory tariffs on everything from American orange juice and toilets to some steel products.
Trudeau warned that tariffs would lead to higher prices not only for Americans already grappling with high inflation, but also for Canadians.
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“It’s bad for Canada, but it’s also going to be bad for American consumers,” Trudeau said, adding that prices for “almost everything” would go up.
“I don’t think (Trump) wants that,” he said.
Experts warn that tariffs could raise costs
Speaking from Ottawa, Trudeau defended Canada’s actions to crack down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He told reporters less than 1% of illegal drugs or immigrants entering the United States come from Canada.
Trudeau also said Canada is investing “more than $1 billion” to strengthen its borders, and the federal government recently announced a $1.3 billion plan to increase border security in response to Trump’s concerns. It looks like it did.
The seizure marks the largest drug bust in the city’s history. Trudeau said the drugs were purchased into the country from the United States through Mexican cartels.
“We have challenges there on both sides of the border and we are there to work constructively with (the Trump administration),” he said.
Trudeau said Thursday that instead of threatening tariffs, the U.S. government should work with Canada on “our energy, our critical minerals.”
“That’s our first choice,” he said. “If they move forward with tariffs, we are ready to respond in a strong way, but to figure out how to remove them as soon as possible…”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
