Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to impose retaliatory 25 percent tariffs on U.S. goods after President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods would move forward.
Newsweek reached out for comment to the White House via email on Monday night.
Trump said during a White House news conference on Monday that 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico would be imposed on Tuesday, despite having previously delayed the tariffs after both countries agreed to address immigration issues at their respective U.S. borders.
Trudeau, in a statement issued hours later, argued that there was “no justification” for Trump’s tariffs and said that Canada would quickly respond with its own tariffs in addition to other “non-tariff measures.”
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“Canada will not let this unjustified decision go unanswered. Should American tariffs come into effect tonight, Canada will, effective 12:01 a.m. EST tomorrow, respond with 25 per cent tariffs against $155 billion of American goods – starting with tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately, and tariffs on the remaining $125 billion on American products in 21 days’ time,” Trudeau said.
“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures,” he added. “While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their tariffs, Canada remains firm in standing up for our economy, our jobs, our workers, and for a fair deal.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.