Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Saturday that Canada will retaliate against US tariffs by imposing own 25 percent levies on some of its own products.
He declared in a dramatic tone, “Canada will be responding to the US trade action with 25% tariffs on Canadian goods worth $155 billion ($106 billion),” citing a rupture in longstanding Canada-US ties.
On Tuesday, the first tariff round would apply to US goods worth $30 billion, followed by additional tariffs on products worth $ 125 billion in three weeks.
“We’re certainly not looking to escalate. But we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs”, Trudeau said.
READ ALSO:  , Trump Tariff Deadline Looms, Canada Told Levies Coming Tuesday
The tariffs will apply to “everyday items” such as American beer, wine and bourbon as well as fruits, vegetables, consumer appliances, lumber and plastics, he added — “with much, much more”.
Trump, the president of the United States, earlier threatened by illegal immigration and drugs, by imposing extensive tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.
Beginning on Tuesday, Canada’s exports to the US will be subject to a 25% tariff, though a lower 10% levy applies to Canadian energy resources.
Trudeau said the trade conflict will have “real consequences” for Canadians but also for Americans, including job losses, higher costs for food and gasoline, potential shutdowns of auto assembly plants, and impeded access to Canadian nickel, potash, uranium, steel and aluminum.
 , ‘Split us apart ‘
He reaffirmed Canada’s support for the US during its “darkest hours,” from the hostage crisis and conflict in Afghanistan to the deadly natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the recent wildfires in California.
“We’re always there, standing with you”, Trudeau said.
The better way to partner with Canada is to not punish us, according to President Trump, if he wants to usher in a new golden age for the United States.
“Unfortunately, the actions taken today by the White House split us apart instead of bringing us together”.
Prior to that, Trudeau spoke with provincial premiers, who each declared that they would implement additional measures, such as removing US alcohol from local stores and attempting to immediately diversify their trade relationships.
The US tariffs, according to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, “will strain the crucial relationship and alliance between our two countries.”
The US tariffs are “a complete betrayal of the historic bond between our countries,” according to British Columbia Premier David Eby.
“It’s a declaration of economic war against a trusted ally and friend”, he said, warning that damage to the relationship will be lasting.
He declared, “We will never allow ourselves to be subservient to one individual’s whims in the White House.”
A sold-out crowd booed the US national anthem’s singing at the start of play at an NHL hockey game between the Ottawa Senators and the Minnesota Wild in Ottawa.
Source: Channels TV
Leave a Reply