Canada and Mexico have announced retaliatory tariffs in response to the United States’ decision to impose import taxes of 25% on their goods and 10% on Chinese products, further straining international trade relations.
Canadain Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled countermeasures mirroring the US tariffs, imposing a 25% levy on American imports worth $155 billion, reports the BBC.
During his address, he appealed to Canadian citizens to “choose Canada” when making purchases.
The full list of products set to be hit by Canada’s counter tariffs is expected to be made public soon, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Here are some of the items that Trudeau said Americans should expect to cost more:
Trudeau said that American imports of produce such as fruits and vegetables, as well as fruit juices, would be subject to the forthcoming import tariffs. As well, alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine, as well as bourbon, would be included.
“It might mean opting for Canadian rye over Kentucky bourbon, or forgoing Florida orange juice altogether,” Trudeau said.
The prime minister’s list of products expected to be impacted by the coming tariffs also included perfume, clothing and shoes. Trudeau mentioned that household appliances, as well as furniture and sporting equipment, qualify for the tariffs.
In addition to consumer products, Trudeau noted that manufacturing and construction materials such as Canadian lumber and plastics would also be subject to tariffs.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has also pledged reciprocal actions, including new tariffs on US goods.
US President Donald Trump defended the tariffs, claiming they were necessary to address the fentanyl crisis plaguing the country.
The new import duties on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese goods will take effect from midnight on Tuesday, following executive orders signed by Trump.
Energy imports from Canada will be subject to a lower tariff of 10%, according to a statement from the White House.
China, in response, has vowed to implement "corresponding countermeasures" and has announced plans to challenge the US tariffs by filing a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization.
