Tariffs: $155bn US products to suffer as Canada retaliates

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has revealed that Canada will respond with 25 per cent tariffs against $155 billion of American goods, starting with tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately.

Trudeau who disclosed this in a statement recently over the United States administration’s decision to proceed with imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian energy.

He made it clear that there’s no justification for United State actions, adding that less than 1 per cent of the fentanyl intercepted at the U.S. border comes from Canada.
The Prime Minister also refuted the US President Donald Trump’s claims that the tariffs were linked to Canada’s alleged failure to curb fentanyl trafficking, calling the accusations false and misleading.

“We have worked relentlessly to address this scourge that affects Canadians and Americans alike. We implemented a $1.3 billion border plan with new choppers, boots on ground, more co-ordination, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.

“We appointed a Fentanyl Czar, listed transnational criminal cartels as terrorist organizations, launched the Joint Operational Intelligence Cell, and are establishing a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force on organized crime. 
“Because of this work – in partnership with United States – fentanyl seizures from Canada have dropped 97 per cent between December 2024 and January 2025 to a near-zero low of 0.03 pounds seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection”, he explained.

According to him, “Canada will not let this unjustified decision go unanswered. Should American tariffs come into effect tonight, Canada will, effective 12:01 a.m. EST tomorrow, respond with 25 per cent tariffs against $155 billion of American goods.

“Starting with tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately, and tariffs on the remaining $125 billion on US products in 21 days’ time. Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn.

“And should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures.
“While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their tariffs, Canada remains firm in standing up for our economy, our jobs, our workers, and for a fair deal.

“Because of the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Americans will have to pay more for groceries, gas, and cars, and potentially lose thousands of jobs.

“Tariffs will disrupt an incredibly successful trading relationship. They will violate the very trade agreement that was negotiated by President Trump in his last term”, the Prime Minister said.

Report has it that the US President, Donald Trump said on Monday that there was no chance for Mexico or Canada to prevent 25% tariffs from taking effect on Tuesday, financial markets reeling on the prospect of new economic barriers in North America.