Trudeau warns Americans will bear costs of Trump’s tariff plans on Canada

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TORONTO. Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned on Thursday that American consumers will face higher costs if former U.S. President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports.

During a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau addressed Trump’s plan to reintroduce a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods as early as February 1. “Whether it be on January 20th, February 1st, February 15th as a Valentine’s Day present or even April 1st, Canada will respond with retaliatory tariffs,” Trudeau stated. “Prices for American consumers on just about everything will go up. We don’t think he wants that.”

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated his intention to implement tariffs targeting America’s second-largest trading partner. The move risks disrupting markets for key industries like automobiles, lumber, and oil, with potential ripple effects for consumers.

Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, emphasized the economic consequences for Americans, particularly regarding energy prices. “Some states could see gas prices increase by more than a dollar per gallon if Trump imposes tariffs on Canadian oil,” Smith noted. Despite Trump’s claims that the U.S. is not reliant on Canada, nearly a quarter of America’s daily oil consumption is sourced from its northern neighbor.

Trudeau highlighted Canada’s critical role in supplying the U.S. with essential materials. “Canada has 34 critical minerals and metals that the U.S. needs, along with steel, aluminum, and uranium,” he explained. “The U.S. should be working more with Canada on the energy and goods needed to support Trump has promised economic growth.”

In the event of tariffs, Canada is prepared to implement retaliatory measures, including tariffs on U.S. goods such as orange juice, toilets, and steel products. “Everything is on the table,” Trudeau remarked. “It would be bad for Canada, but it would also be bad for American consumers.”

This strategy mirrors Canada’s response in 2018 when it imposed billions of dollars in duties following Trump’s increased tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

Trudeau emphasized the significance of the U.S.-Canada trade relationship, noting that nearly CAD 3.6 billion ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border daily. Canada remains the top export destination for 36 U.S. states.

Trump, however, continues to misrepresent the U.S. trade deficit with Canada. Despite official data showing a relatively balanced trade relationship, Trump has repeatedly claimed an inflated $200 billion deficit.

During a virtual appearance at the World Economic Forum, Trump joked about resolving trade issues by suggesting, “You can always become a state, and if you’re a state, we won’t have to tariff you.”

Trudeau also addressed Trump’s comments linking the U.S.-Canada border to drug trafficking and migration issues. “Less than one percent of illegal drugs and migrants entering the U.S. come from Canada,” he said. “Yet, we are investing over a billion dollars to strengthen our border.”

As tensions rise, both nations brace for potential economic and diplomatic fallout from Trump’s tariff plans, underscoring the fragility of North America’s trade dynamics.

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Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.

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