‏Canada Hits Back at U.S. Tariffs with Retaliatory Measures

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that his government will implement countermeasures in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian automobiles imposed by President Donald Trump. 

Carney also pledged support for affected Canadian workers, emphasizing that these actions will directly impact millions of citizens.

‏Speaking to reporters at Parliament Hill, Carney reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Canadian jobs and industries but did not disclose specific details about the measures. He stressed the importance of national unity during crises and the need for decisive action.

‏Carney also warned that the global trade war, which Canada has largely avoided so far, could drastically reshape the international trade system. While he declined to take questions, he confirmed plans to hold discussions with provincial and territorial leaders on Thursday morning, followed by a full press conference.

‏In March, Canada responded to Trump’s tariffs by imposing retaliatory duties on $60 billion worth of American goods. The first wave, amounting to $30 billion, took effect on March 4, targeting items such as clothing, orange juice, and household appliances. In response to Trump’s 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports, the Canadian government imposed equivalent tariffs on an additional $29.9 billion worth of U.S. goods, primarily on metal products and IT equipment.

‏On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order imposing what he called reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, potentially triggering the largest global trade conflict in nearly a century. However, Canada was excluded from this latest round of tariffs.

‏A fact sheet released by the White House shortly after Trump’s announcement confirmed that existing tariffs on Canada and Mexico remain in place, including exemptions, and are unaffected by the new order. The current tariffs on Canada and Mexico, enacted on March 4 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, were justified by Trump as a response to the influx of fentanyl into the U.S.

‏Trump also announced an exemption for auto parts that comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which was set to expire on Wednesday evening. Despite this exemption, Trump singled out Canada in his remarks, repeating claims that the U.S. provides Canada with $200 billion annually in financial support.

‏Trump also asserted that the U.S. maintains the economies of several other nations and insisted that Canada must take greater responsibility for its economic stability.

‏The ongoing tariff dispute adds further strain to U.S.-Canada relations and raises concerns about economic stability in both countries. With Canada vowing to retaliate, tensions in the North American trade landscape continue to escalate.