BREAKING: Trudeau announces 25 percent tariffs on $155 billion in US goods in response to ‘dumb’ tariffs by Trump

In response to the US tariffs, Canada will impose 25 percent tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods. The first round of tariffs, affecting $30 billion in goods, will take effect immediately, with the remaining $125 billion set to be implemented in 21 days.

“Today we will also be challenging these illegal actions by filing dispute resolution claims at the World Trade Organization and through the USMCA,” Trudeau announced. “In the meantime, our tariffs will remain in place until the US tariffs are withdrawn and not a moment sooner. If the tariffs don’t cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures, which will demonstrate that there are no winners in a trade war.”

Trudeau emphasized that Canada does not want a trade dispute with the US, “Just like I did a month ago, I want to speak directly to the American people. We don’t want this. We want to work with you as a friend and ally… Your government has chosen to do this to you.”

He warned of the economic consequences the tariffs could have on the United States. “As of this morning, markets are down, and inflation is set to rise dramatically all across your country. Your government has chosen to put American jobs at risk.”

“They have chosen to raise costs on American consumers on everyday essential items like groceries and gas, on major purchases like cars and homes, and everything in between,” he said.

“They’ve chosen to harm American national security, impeding access to the abundant minerals, energy, building materials, and fertilizers that we have and that the United States needs to grow and prosper.”

"They’ve chosen to launch a trade war that will first and foremost harm American families. They’ve chosen to sabotage their own agenda that was supposed to usher in a new golden age for the United States. And they’ve chosen to undermine the incredible work we’ve done together to tackle the scourge that is fentanyl, a drug that must be wiped from the face of the Earth.”

Trudeau rejected the US government’s justification for the tariffs, calling them baseless. “So on that point, let me be crystal clear: There is absolutely no justification or need whatsoever for these tariffs today.”

He directly addressed claims that Canada was not doing enough to combat fentanyl trafficking. “The legal pretext your government is using to bring in these tariffs is that Canada is apparently unwilling to help in the fight against illegal fentanyl. Well, that is totally false.”

"Our border is already safe and secure. Far less than one percent of fentanyl flows and less than one percent of the illegal crossings into the United States comes from Canada. But we acted, because we know we can always do better. We responded to concerns, including from the president, by implementing an ambitious $1.3 billion border plan that includes generational investments in new AI and imaging tools to stop the flow of fentanyl in its tracks. Strong coordination and information sharing with American agencies, along with the deployment of drones, helicopters, and additional personnel to keep our border secure.”

Trudeau also outlined actions Canada has taken to address fentanyl concerns. “A month ago, as part of an agreement with the United States that paused the tariffs, we made further commitments. We appointed Kevin Brusseau as our fentanyl czar, a man who dedicated his multi-decade career in law enforcement to combatting organized crime networks and drug trafficking.”

“We designated seven drug cartels—sick, evil groups who cynically profit off the pain and suffering of people on both sides of the border—as the terrorist organizations that they are.”

Addressing Trump directly, Trudeau reminded him of their past cooperation. “Donald. In the over eight years you and I have worked together; we’ve done big things. We’ve signed a historic deal that has created record jobs and growth in both of our countries, we’ve done big things together on the world stage, as Canada and the US have done together for decades—for generations. And now, we should be working together to ensure even greater prosperity for North Americans in a very uncertain and challenging world.”

“We two friends fighting is exactly what our opponents around the world want to see.”