In a bold response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the federal government of Canada has unveiled a strategic list of goods it will target in retaliation, as reported by Global News.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Saturday that Canada would impose immediate tariffs on $30 billion worth of American products, with an additional $125 billion in tariffs set to follow in 21 days. This phased approach aims to provide Canadian companies and supply chains time to identify alternatives.
On Sunday, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc detailed the first $30 billion in affected goods, effective February 4. The extensive list includes a variety of products, from skincare and alcohol to clothing and numerous food items.
To assist businesses, the government will initiate a process allowing companies to request exceptional relief from the tariffs.
Senior government officials clarified that Canada did not specifically target certain U.S. states, but rather selected goods based on their strategic importance as U.S. exports. The intention behind the Canadian tariffs is to mobilize key stakeholders and encourage American voices to reach President Trump.
While officials acknowledged that Republican states might have a greater influence on the U.S. president, they emphasized that this was just one of many factors in the tariff selection process.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also announced that her country would implement retaliatory tariffs. However, Canadian officials stated that this response was not coordinated with Mexico, despite Trudeau and Sheinbaum speaking by phone following the announcement of U.S. tariffs.
Export Tax on Oil Not Ruled Out
Government officials refrained from estimating the economic impact of either set of tariffs, noting that comprehensive studies would require time to complete. Trudeau admitted on February 1 that he had tried to contact Trump since the latter’s inauguration, but to no avail.
The upcoming second list of targeted products will include cars, trucks, buses, steel, aluminum, aerospace products, and various fruits and vegetables, with details to be released soon. A potential export tax on oil has not been ruled out.
Canada’s Border Services Agency is set to issue a customs notice to inform importers about tariff enforcement and compliance requirements. Importantly, the tariffs will not apply to goods already in transit to Canada.
‘Choose Products Made Right Here’
In a show of solidarity, leaders across the political spectrum urged Canadians to buy local. “Now is the time to choose products made right here in Canada,” Trudeau tweeted on Sunday. “Check the labels. Let’s do our part. Wherever we can, choose Canada.”
The premiers of Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador have confirmed that U.S. products will be removed from their provincial liquor stores starting Tuesday.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, addressing the nation from Vancouver, emphasized the need to “put Canada first” while unveiling a comprehensive plan for retaliation. “Common-sense Conservatives condemn President Trump’s massive, unjust, and unjustified tariffs, which will harm both American and Canadian economies,” Poilievre stated.
Outlining his own seven-point plan, Poilievre called for recalling Parliament, implementing “dollar-for-dollar” tariffs on the U.S., and focusing on free trade across Canada, among other initiatives. He insisted that all revenue from tariffs should fund an immediate “bring it home” tax cut.
Poilievre argued that tariffs should target U.S. products that Canada can do without, such as steel and aluminum, while minimizing the impact on Canadian consumers. He also emphasized the importance of rebuilding Canada’s military and regaining control of the borders, citing issues like illegal immigration and the influx of fentanyl.
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