Canada Prepared for Tariffs from Trump: Trudeau
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Synopsis
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada is ready to respond swiftly and reasonably if US President Donald Trump imposes tariffs on Canadian imports. Key ministers are making efforts in the US to influence Trump's decision as the situation unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Trudeau asserts readiness to respond.
- Diplomatic efforts underway in the US.
- Trump's tariffs may target Canadian oil.
- Canada plans to match any imposed tariffs.
- US duties linked to fentanyl distribution.
Ottawa, Feb 1 (NationPress) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada stands prepared to provide a "deliberate, strong yet reasonable, immediate" reaction if US President Donald Trump goes ahead with imposing tariffs on Canadian imports, according to local media reports.
During his comments at a gathering of the Council on Canada-US Relations in Toronto, the prime minister emphasized that his nation is ready for any eventuality, as reported by Xinhua news agency citing CBC News.
"This is not our preference, but should he proceed, we will respond accordingly," Trudeau was quoted as saying.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, and Immigration Minister Marc Miller are currently in the US capital making a final diplomatic effort to persuade Republican lawmakers and Trump's administration to influence the president, the report indicated.
Trump is anticipated to declare tariffs against Canada on Saturday. Trudeau had previously mentioned that Canada would retaliate and match the tariffs on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
On Friday, US President Trump indicated that Canadian oil would be subject to reduced tariffs of 10 percent, which may be enforced later on February 18.
He also mentioned plans to impose tariffs on the European Union in the future, claiming the bloc had not treated the US fairly.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the duties on Canada and Mexico were a response to "the illegal fentanyl that they have sourced and allowed to distribute into our country, which has caused the deaths of tens of millions of Americans".
Canada and Mexico are the primary trading partners of the US, responsible for a significant volume of goods imported into the US last year.
