Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a strong warning to U.S. President Donald Trump, vowing that Canada will respond decisively if the U.S. moves forward with plans to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Speaking at a special cabinet meeting in Montebello, Quebec, on Tuesday, Trudeau said Canada is prepared to take “robust, rapid, and very strong” retaliatory measures, according to CBC News.
Trump announced his intention to impose the tariffs, starting February 1, citing concerns over migration and fentanyl entering the U.S. from its neighbors. “We are thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada because they’re allowing vast numbers of people … to come in, and fentanyl to come in,” Trump said.
Trudeau, addressing the proposed tariffs, said he has grown accustomed to the “uncertainty” that comes with dealing with Trump, whom he described as a skilled negotiator who uses unpredictability to keep his counterparts off balance. However, Trudeau emphasized that Canada is equally adept at negotiating and willing to impose economic pain on the U.S. if necessary.
“Our main goal is to avoid these tariffs and maintain a positive relationship with the U.S.,” Trudeau said. “But we won’t roll over in the face of threats.”
He also pointed out that Trump’s vision of a booming U.S. economy depends on Canadian resources such as oil, lumber, steel, aluminum, and critical minerals. “That gives Canada some leverage,” Trudeau noted, highlighting Canada’s importance in ensuring the success of Trump’s ambitions for an economic “golden age.”
After his inauguration on Monday, Trump initially held off on signing an executive order to implement the tariffs. However, he later suggested he wanted the 25% tariffs in place within two weeks. Trump also signed a new “America First” trade policy, directing officials to investigate illegal migration and fentanyl flows from Canada and other countries. This policy calls for a report on potential trade actions by April 1, characterizing these issues as an “emergency.”
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump had repeatedly threatened to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico unless it reduced migrant flows at the southern border. Similar threats were made against Canada and China. Trump’s use of tariffs as a negotiating tool has drawn criticism from experts, who warn that such measures ultimately function as a tax on consumers.
On January 9, Trump reiterated his plans to impose tariffs on Canada, citing “massive deficits” in U.S.-Canada trade. While he argues that tariffs will financially benefit the U.S., many economists caution that they could lead to higher prices and economic strain.
As tensions escalate, Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to protecting its economic interests while maintaining a cooperative approach. However, he made it clear that Canada would not hesitate to act forcefully if provoked.
