Canada and Mexico have hit back with retaliatory tariffs on President Donald Trump’s steep tax on goods imported from its neighbours.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum both announced the counter-tariffs on Saturday night.
Mr Trudeau said Canada would impose 25% tariffs on $155bn Canadian dollars (£85.9bn) of US goods in response to Mr Trump‘s 25% tariffs on goods. Energy imported from Canada, including oil, natural gas and electricity, would be taxed at a rate of 10%.
Duties on $30bn Canadian dollars (£16.6bn) in trade in American alcohol and fruit will take effect on Tuesday when the US tariffs are set to start. The remaining $125bn Canadian dollars (£69.3bn) will take effect in 21 days.
Mr Trudeau opened his speech with a passionate message aimed at American consumers.
“It will have real consequences for you, the American people,” he said, saying it would result in higher prices on groceries and other goods.
The outgoing prime minister channelled the views of many Canadians who feel betrayed by their neighbour and longtime ally.
US action ‘split us apart’
Mr Trudeau reminded Americans that Canadian troops fought alongside them in Afghanistan and helped them respond to domestic crises including the wildfires in California and Hurricane Katrina.
“The actions taken by the White House split us apart instead of bringing us together,” Mr Trudeau said. He also encouraged Canadians to “choose Canadian products and services rather than American ones”.
What is Mexico’s stance?
Ms Sheinbaum said in a post on X that she had ordered her economic minister to implement tariff and non-tariff measures to defend Mexico’s interests.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. Pic:…
