Trudeau: Canada to impose retaliatory tariffs on the US starting Tuesday.

OTTAWA ,Feb 2 — Canada will impose 25 percent tariffs on select American goods in response to US trade actions, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced yesterday.

The first round, targeting C$30 billion (US$20.5 billion) worth of US goods, will take effect on Tuesday, with an additional C$125 billion (US$85.5 billion) in tariffs following in three weeks. Trudeau emphasized that while Canada is not seeking escalation, it will defend its economy and workforce.

The tariffs will apply to items such as American beer, wine, bourbon, fruits, vegetables, consumer appliances, lumber, and plastics. This move follows US President Donald Trump's recent tariff hikes on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese exports, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drugs.

Trudeau warned of serious economic consequences, including job losses, increased costs for food and gasoline, and disruptions in industries dependent on Canadian resources like nickel, potash, uranium, steel, and aluminium.

Several Canadian provincial leaders condemned the US tariffs. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called them "mutually destructive," while British Columbia Premier David E by described them as "a complete betrayal" and a "declaration of economic war."

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