Canada’s Trudeau Hits U.S. with 25% in Retaliatory Tariffs/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $155 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., condemning Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian imports as unjustified. Mexico and China also criticized the move, calling the fentanyl crisis a false pretext for economic restrictions. As tensions rise, global leaders warn of economic fallout, while Trump defends the tariffs as necessary for national security.
Canada’s Retaliatory Tariffs: Quick Look
- Trudeau’s Response: Announces 25% tariffs on U.S. goods worth $155B.
- Phased Implementation: $30B in tariffs start immediately, the rest in 21 days.
- Fentanyl Crisis Denial: Canada and China call Trump’s reasoning a “pretext”.
- Trump’s Justification: Claims Canada and Mexico failed to stop drug cartels.
- China’s Retaliation: 15% tariffs on U.S. farm products begin next week.
- Mexico Joins In: President Sheinbaum announces 25% tariffs on U.S. goods.
- Fentanyl Deaths Drop: U.S. opioid-related deaths down 30% in the past year.
- Economic Uncertainty: Global markets react negatively to escalating trade war.
Trudeau Slams Trump’s Tariffs, Hits U.S. with 25% in Retaliatory Tariffs
Trudeau Announces Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods
In a fiery press conference in Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blasted the Trump administration’s new 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, calling them unjustified and harmful.
“The United States launched a trade war against Canada, its closest partner and ally, their closest friend. At the same time, they’re talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin—a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense,” Trudeau said.
In response, Canada will impose $155 billion in retaliatory tariffs on American goods, with $30 billion taking effect immediately and the remaining $125 billion phased in over three weeks.
“Canadians are reasonable, and we are polite. But we will not back down from a fight.” Trudeau declared.
China and Mexico Condemn Tariffs, Announce Their Own Retaliation
China and Mexico also pushed back against Trump’s justification for the tariffs, arguing that the U.S. fentanyl crisis is being used as an excuse to implement economic restrictions.
- China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian called the tariffs “politicized and weaponized”, warning that the U.S. would “harm its own economy and global credibility.”
- Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said the decision “has no justification” and confirmed that Mexico would also impose 25% tariffs on U.S. imports.
China responded to the U.S. trade war escalation by hiking tariffs 10-15% on key American agricultural exports, including chicken, pork, soy, and beef.
Trump Defends Tariffs as “National Emergency”
In a Monday statement, the White House reaffirmed that Trump’s new tariffs were necessary because Canada and Mexico had failed to curb cartel activity and fentanyl trafficking.
“President Trump gave both Canada and Mexico ample opportunity to address cartel activity and the influx of lethal drugs into our country, but they have failed to do so,” the statement read.
However, data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that fentanyl seizures at the northern border are near zero, and opioid-related deaths have dropped 30% over the past year, contradicting the administration’s claims of an escalating crisis.
Global Economic Concerns Mount
The trade war escalation is sending shockwaves through global markets. Economists warn that:
- Higher tariffs will raise consumer prices, particularly for imported goods and agricultural products.
- The retaliatory tariffs from Canada, China, and Mexico could hurt American exporters, especially farmers and manufacturers.
- The uncertainty surrounding trade could further weaken consumer confidence and slow economic growth.
Despite the backlash, Trump is expected to double down on his tariff policies during his Congressional address Tuesday night.
What’s Next?
As the trade war intensifies, all eyes are on how far Canada, China, and Mexico will go in their economic retaliation. With tensions mounting and global markets reacting negatively, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether negotiations can ease the standoff—or if the tariff battle escalates even further.
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