Trudeau condemns US tariffs on Canada, vows retaliation amid rising tensions

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denounced new American tariffs as a “very dumb” move, accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of undermining Canada while appeasing Russia.

Trudeau vowed swift retaliation, announcing tariffs on over $100 billion worth of American goods, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Speaking at a press conference during his final days in office, a visibly angered Trudeau criticised the U.S. administration’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports while simultaneously fostering warmer relations with Russia.

“Today, the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally,” Trudeau stated. “At the same time, they are talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense.”

The tariffs, which also targeted Mexico and China, sent financial markets into turmoil. As of March 4, the U.S. has implemented 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, with Canadian energy products facing a 10% duty.

Trudeau suggested Trump’s strategy was aimed at destabilising Canada’s economy. “What he wants to see is a total collapse of the Canadian economy because that will make it easier to annex us,” Trudeau said. “That is never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.”

Trudeau also directly addressed the U.S. president: “It’s not in my habit to agree with the Wall Street Journal, but Donald, they point out that even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do.”

Later on March 4, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that a compromise could be reached. Speaking to Fox Business News, Lutnick indicated that Trump might adjust the tariffs after negotiations with Canada and Mexico.

“I think he’s going to figure out, you do more, and I’ll meet you in the middle in some way,” Lutnick said, though he emphasised that the tariffs would remain in place for now. An official source revealed that Trudeau has planned a call with Trump on March 5 to discuss the escalating trade conflict.

Earlier in the day, Trump defended his tariff decision in a post on Truth Social, writing: “Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a Retaliatory Tariff on the U.S., our Reciprocal Tariff will immediately increase by a like amount!”

The tariffs have sparked widespread outrage in Canada. In protest, Canadian hockey and basketball fans have booed the American national anthem at recent games, while Trudeau encouraged citizens to prioritise domestic products and rethink vacations to the U.S.

“Canadians are hurt. Canadians are angry. We are going to choose to not go on vacation in Florida,” Trudeau said. “We are going to choose to try and buy Canadian products … and yeah, we’re probably going to keep booing the American anthem.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced further retaliatory measures, including a 25% export tax on electricity sold to the U.S. Ontario supplied power to 1.5 million American homes in Michigan, New York, and Minnesota in 2023, and Ford warned of a potential full cutoff if tariffs persist. He also pledged to halt nickel and rare mineral sales to the U.S.

Ontario’s liquor authority has already begun removing American brands from its shelves. The province annually sells nearly $1 billion CAD ($687 million USD) worth of American wine, beer, spirits, and seltzers.

A Canadian government official disclosed that Lutnick reached out to Ford after his press conference, urging him to reconsider the measures. However, Ford reportedly rebuffed the plea, stating that Canada’s countermeasures would only escalate.

By Vugar Khalilov