Canada has vowed to retaliate swiftly to the Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, calling the move “unjustified” and harmful to both countries’ economies.
President Trump announced the tariffs on Thursday, citing national security concerns as the reason for the action. The tariffs, which will be 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum, are set to go into effect on June 1.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau immediately condemned the tariffs, calling them “totally unacceptable” and promising to take action to protect Canada’s interests.
“We are imposing dollar-for-dollar tariffs for every dollar levied against Canadians by the U.S.,” Trudeau said in a statement. “We will not back down in the face of these unjustified and punitive measures.”
The Canadian government has also announced plans to launch a formal complaint against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization, arguing that the tariffs violate international trade rules.
The move has sparked fears of a trade war between the two countries, as well as potential retaliation from other countries affected by the tariffs. The European Union, Mexico, and China have all expressed concern over the U.S. decision and have hinted at possible retaliatory measures.
The tariffs are the latest in a series of trade disputes between the U.S. and its trading partners, including Canada. President Trump has been critical of what he sees as unfair trade practices by other countries, particularly in the steel and aluminum industries.
However, many economists and trade experts have warned that the tariffs could have negative consequences for both countries’ economies. They argue that the tariffs will raise prices for American consumers and businesses that rely on steel and aluminum, leading to job losses and economic harm.
In response to the tariffs, Canadian officials have emphasized the strong economic ties between the two countries and the importance of maintaining a healthy trade relationship. Canada is the largest exporter of steel and aluminum to the U.S., and the two countries have a long history of cooperation in trade and other areas.
Despite the tensions over the tariffs, both sides have expressed a willingness to continue negotiations to resolve the dispute. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said that Canada remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to the issue, while President Trump has indicated that he is open to discussions with Canada and other trading partners.
As the June 1 deadline for the tariffs approaches, all eyes will be on the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, and the potential impact on both countries’ economies. Canada’s vow to retaliate swiftly to the tariffs shows that it is prepared to defend its interests in the face of what it sees as unjustified and harmful trade actions.