Trudeau Refuses Tariff Rollback Unless Trump Fully Lifts Duties/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke by phone Wednesday following Trump’s new 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. While details of the call remain undisclosed, Trudeau refuses to lift Canada’s retaliatory tariffs unless Trump fully removes all US tariffs on Canada. With US-Canada trade tensions escalating, Ontario officials warn the auto industry could collapse within days if tariffs remain.
Trump and Trudeau’s Tense Call on Tariffs: Quick Look
- US-Canada Call: Trump and Trudeau spoke amid a growing trade war.
- No Compromise: Trudeau refuses partial tariff rollbacks, demanding a full repeal.
- Economic Fallout: Canada warns auto plants could shut down in 10 days.
- Trump’s Next Move: US Commerce Secretary hints at potential sector exemptions.
- Market Impact: Stock markets tumbled as the trade war escalates.
Trump and Trudeau Talk Tariffs as US-Canada Trade War Heats Up
Trudeau Refuses Tariff Rollback Unless Trump Fully Lifts Duties
US-Canada Relations Strained Over Trade War
President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke Wednesday, as tensions spiked over Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports.
While the White House confirmed the conversation, officials have yet to release details. However, a senior Canadian official confirmed that Trudeau remains firm—he will not lift Canada’s retaliatory tariffs unless Trump completely removes his duties on Canadian goods.
“We’re not interested in meeting in the middle and having some reduced tariff,” said Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc. “Canada wants the tariffs removed.”
Trump’s Tariff Hike Sparks Backlash
The move triggered immediate retaliation:
- Canada imposed 25% tariffs on $20.7 billion (USD) in American goods.
- Another $86.2 billion (USD) in tariffs is planned within 21 days.
- Mexico and China also retaliated, escalating the global trade war.
Trudeau called the tariffs “a very dumb thing to do”, echoing the frustration of Canadian industries hit hardest by the new costs.
US Signals Possible Concessions—but Canada Stands Firm
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at possible exemptions, suggesting Trump may spare certain industries like automobiles.
“There are going to be tariffs, let’s be clear,” Lutnick said Wednesday. “But which sections of the market can maybe—maybe—get relief?”
However, Trudeau rejected partial concessions, demanding a complete rollback of Trump’s tariffs.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that North America’s auto industry could start shutting down assembly lines in just 10 days if tariffs remain.
“People are going to lose their jobs,” Ford said, emphasizing the urgent economic threat.
Why Canada Refuses to Back Down
Experts believe Trudeau’s tough stance is both a negotiating strategy and a political necessity.
- Nelson Wiseman, a professor at the University of Toronto, said Trudeau’s resistance plays well with Canadians, who are angry with Trump.
- Peter Navarro, a top Trump trade adviser, urged Trudeau to “tone it down” but admitted that Trudeau’s position may be strengthening Canada’s hand.
- Daniel Béland, a political scientist at McGill University, warned that any Canadian concessions could embolden Trump to demand even harsher trade terms.
What’s Next?
While Trump is expected to announce a tariff update Wednesday afternoon, it remains unclear whether he will soften his stance or push forward aggressively.
With US-Canada trade relations at their lowest point in years, all eyes are on how this economic standoff unfolds—and who blinks first.
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