US and Canada Enter Trade War as Ottawa Retaliates with Tariffs

OTTAWA, March 4. The United States has initiated a trade conflict with Canada, prompting the Canadian government to respond with reciprocal tariffs. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the media to articulate the implications of the newly imposed tariffs.

"Today marks the beginning of a trade war against Canada, who is a close partner and ally to the United States," Trudeau stated. The US tariffs were enacted early this morning, which coincided with Canada's immediate response.

Canada plans to impose 25% tariffs on American goods valued at approximately 155 billion Canadian dollars ($107.4 billion). Initially, tariffs will apply to about 30 billion Canadian dollars worth of goods starting from March 4. The remaining 125 billion Canadian dollars of American products will be subjected to tariffs within 21 days, as revealed by the Prime Minister.

In addition to tariffs, Canada has taken further action by filing a claim to the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning the US's increased tariffs on Canadian exports. Trudeau emphasized that the nation intends to seek resolution through the trilateral US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as well. He stated, "We are pursuing dispute resolution claims at the WTO and through the USMCA."

Trudeau criticized the US tariffs, describing them as a deliberate policy choice by the US government aimed at impacting the Canadian economy negatively. He remarked, "This is a trade war, and it is hurting Canadians. Many are upset and are opting to avoid travel to places like Florida and are choosing to support Canadian products instead of American offerings like bourbon."

trade, tariffs, economy