Official announcement from the Canadian government

Trudeau Promises Robust Response to U.S. 25% Tariffs on Canadian Imports Starting February 1, Supports Dollar-for-Dollar Retaliation

Jan 21, 2025, 05:02 PM

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed a robust response if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Canadian imports starting February 1. Trudeau emphasized that Canada is prepared to retaliate and that 'everything is on the table' in terms of countermeasures. He supports the principle of dollar-for-dollar matching tariffs, indicating readiness to impose retaliatory tariffs on American goods entering Canada. This stance comes in response to Trump's threat to impose tariffs, which he mentioned could be implemented as early as February 1, though an executive order he signed requests a report by April 1. Trudeau's comments were made at a cabinet retreat in Quebec, where he stressed the importance of Canada's role as an energy superpower and a key supplier of critical minerals and other resources to the U.S. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has also responded strongly, stating that Trump has 'declared war' on Canada and that he would instruct Ontario's liquor control board to pull all American-made alcohol from shelves if tariffs are imposed. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for 'cool heads' in dealing with the situation, noting the existing trade agreement's dispute resolution processes. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has stated that Canada is working to avoid tariffs but is also preparing retaliatory measures.