Canada Preparing Retaliatory Tariffs Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration
The Trudeau government is poised to announce a first round of counter-tariffs as soon as Donald Trump is inaugurated as the next U.S. president on Monday. According to Radio-Canada, the initial counter-tariffs will target $37 billion worth of U.S. goods, strategically chosen to minimize harm to the Canadian economy.
Potential U.S. Tariffs and Economic Impact
Trump has indicated plans to impose a 25% across-the-board tariff on Canadian products, a move that experts warn could have devastating effects on Canada’s economy. The Canadian government is also preparing additional retaliatory measures that could cover up to $110 billion in U.S. goods, potentially causing even greater damage if implemented.
The initial retaliatory tariffs could be enacted immediately after Trump’s swearing-in, pending a consultation period of 15 to 30 days before they take effect.
Trudeau’s Response and Preparedness
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a meeting with the newly formed Canada-U.S. relations council in Toronto to strategize on how to address the impending tariff threats. This 18-member council includes representatives from various sectors such as auto, agriculture, and unions, all of whom have ties to the U.S. market.
“If the incoming administration moves forward with tariffs, we will not hesitate to act,” Trudeau stated during the meeting. “We will respond … everything is on the table.” He emphasized the need for Canada to show that no one benefits from a trade war while pledging support for regions or industries disproportionately affected by the tariffs.
Concerns from Canadian Officials
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly expressed that U.S. lawmakers have been surprised and concerned about the escalation of trade tensions. “A lot of senators have never heard of this Trump tariff tax,” she said, indicating a level of disorganization during the transition period in Washington.
As Canada braces for potential trade repercussions, the government is committed to protecting its economic interests while fostering communication with U.S. lawmakers to mitigate the impact of any tariffs.