A counter-response from the Canadian government was swift following the implementation of 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods this week. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a press conference Tuesday announcing counter tariffs of 25 percent on $155 billion worth of American products, with $30 billion starting immediately and the remaining $125 billion in 21 days.
The Prime Minister emphasized the negative impact tariffs will have on American jobs, inflation, and national security, and highlighted Canada’s efforts to combat fentanyl, including a $1.3 billion border plan and a $200 million joint operations partnership. Trudeau added that Canada would not back down from what he called a “bogus” trade war, adding that imposing tariffs on the country’s closest ally was “a very dumb thing to do.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to the tariffs, ordering all U.S. liquor to be removed from Ontario liquor stores, which are operated by the province, and by implementing a 25 percent export tax on electricity.
In his 2025 joint address to Congress Tuesday night, U.S. president Trump limited his comments on specific Canadian tariffs, however he announced that further undefined “reciprocal tariffs” will be imposed on countries across the globe on April 2.
