WASHINGTON, DC – CANADA and Mexico have both responded to the latest escalation in the U.S. trade war, instituting retaliatory tariffs in response to the measures imposed by Donald Trump.
The U.S. President enacted new tariffs overnight, imposing a 25% duty on imports from both Mexico and China. In response, Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, described the move as “dumb.”
Trudeau announced that Canada will implement 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods, beginning with immediate tariffs on $30 billion worth of products. The remaining $125 billion in tariffs will take effect within 21 days.
“Today, we find ourselves forced to introduce 25% tariffs on $155 billion of U.S. merchandise,” Trudeau told reporters at a press conference this morning.
Canada has also moved to file a dispute resolution with the World Trade Organization (WTO), calling the U.S. tariffs “illegal actions.” Trudeau emphasized that Canada’s retaliatory tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. tariffs are withdrawn—“and not a moment sooner.”
“And should these tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures—measures which will demonstrate there are no winners in a trade war,” he added.
Trudeau remained firm, stating, “Canadians are reasonable,” but also making it clear that “we will not back down from a fight.”
Meanwhile, Mexico is also preparing to retaliate. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the U.S. tariffs during a press conference, telling reporters that “there is no reason, rationale, or justification” for the United States’ actions.
The U.S. tariffs took effect following a 30-day pause, during which Mexico and Canada made concessions aimed at addressing the illicit flow of migrants and fentanyl.
Speaking directly to the American public, Trudeau pointed to the economic challenges that will follow the tariff announcement, warning that markets are down and inflation is set to rise dramatically across the United States.
“They've chosen to sabotage their own agenda, that was supposed to usher in a new golden age for the United States. And they've chosen to undermine the incredible work we’ve done together to tackle the scourge that is fentanyl—a drug that must be wiped from the face of the earth,” he stated.
Trudeau also pushed back against the White House’s rationale for imposing tariffs on Canada, asserting that “less than 1% of fentanyl flows and less than 1% of illegal crossings into the United States come from Canada.”
“But we acted because we know we can always do better. We responded to concerns, including from the President, by implementing an ambitious $1.3 billion border plan. A border plan that includes generational investments in new AI and imaging tools to stop the flow of fentanyl in its tracks, stronger coordination and information sharing with American agencies, along with the deployment of drones, helicopters, and additional personnel to keep our border secure.
“Now a month ago, as part of an agreement with the United States that paused the tariffs, we made further commitments. We appointed Kevin Brosseau as our Fentanyl Czar—a man who dedicated his multi-decade career in law enforcement to combating organized crime networks and drug trafficking.”
It remains to be seen what the United States’ next move will be, as the tariffs are widely viewed as a pressure tactic to bring both Mexico and Canada back to the negotiating table.
