Canada's retaliatory tariffs on the US, Mexico will follow suit

Canada's retaliatory tariffs on the US, Mexico will follow suit

Justin Trudeau

After US President Donald Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, the two countries announced countermeasures, including tariffs against the United States.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a 25 percent tariff on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods. Of this, over 30 billion dollars will be effective from Tuesday. The rest is within the next 21 days.

However, he did not clarify whether it will be in US dollars or Canadian dollars.

US President Donald Trump

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods.

The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect at midnight on Tuesday, according to Trump's executive order.

According to the White House, the United States imports oil from Canada with a tariff of less than 10 percent.

On the other hand, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that she is also going to take countermeasures against the United States.

It is assumed that he will also announce a 25 percent tariff on US products.

Meanwhile, China's Ministry of Commerce said the tariffs would not protect the interests of China, the United States or the world in any way.

Trump said he decided to impose tariffs to deal with the fentanyl crisis in the United States.

White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt said on Friday that the tariffs on Canada and Mexico are in response to the marketing of illegal fentanyl (a type of drug) in the United States.

Fentanyl has killed millions of Americans.

China, Canada and Mexico are the US's top trading partners. The country imports 40 percent of its products from these countries.

We will not back down: Justin Trudeau

Justin Trudeau said at a press conference that the next few weeks will be difficult for Canadians and Americans.

According to him, the real consequences of American trade actions and Canada's actions in response must be borne by people and workers on both sides of the border.

"We didn't want to do it. But we will not back down from standing up for Canadians and for a successful partnership between the United States and Canada," he said.

Mr. regarding fentanyl. In response to a question about what Trump said. Trudeau said, "Less than one percent of fentanyl goes from Canada to the United States. Less than one percent of illegal immigrants from Canada go to the United States."

"This trade action against Canada could not be the best way to work together to save lives," he said.

Asked whether he had spoken to Donald Trump, he said, "It hasn't happened since the inauguration."

Trudeau previously visited Mar-a-Lago last December. He met with Trump.

Announcing the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on US products, he said, the products that will be subject to tariffs include American beer, wine, fruits, fruit juices, vegetables, perfumes, clothing and shoes.

Besides, sports goods, furniture, plastics and household items are also included in this list.

In the press conference, he said, he wants to speak directly to the people of America. He said 'this action will have a direct impact on commodity prices and the US economy'.

Canadian leaders seem to agree with Justin Trudeau's decision.

Quebec leader Francois Legault said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and provincial leaders all agreed to respond strongly to Trump's tariffs.

Quebec's premier says his government will not do business with any US company.

Canada exports 70 percent of its exports to the United States, and the country has long been talking about expanding exports to other regions.

Legault said Canada did not ask to start this trade war.

Mexico will retaliate: President

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has said she will retaliate with tariffs in response to Donald Trump's announcement of a 25 percent tariff on all Mexican goods.

"Instructed Finance Minister to implement Plan B with tariff and non-tariff measures to protect Mexico's interests," he wrote on social media X.

Meanwhile, the Retail Industry Leaders Association of the United States said countries should work to reach an agreement.

"We understand that the president is working toward a compromise. The leaders of the four countries should work to reach an agreement before February 4. Because broad-based tariffs will hurt the U.S. economy," they said.