Incoming Canadian Prime Minister
Mark Carney
announced Tuesday that his government will keep tariffs in place until the United States demonstrates respect and makes firm commitments to free trade. His remarks come in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to escalate
tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum
, threatening severe economic consequences.
Carney, set to be sworn in as Justin Trudeau’s successor in the coming days, condemned Trump’s tariffs as an attack on Canadian workers, families, and businesses.
“My government will ensure our response has maximum impact in the US and minimal impact here in Canada, while supporting affected workers,” Carney stated. “We will maintain our tariffs until the Americans show us respect and commit to fair trade.”
Escalating Trade Tensions
Trump announced Tuesday that he would double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, further escalating trade tensions between the two countries. His decision, he claimed, was in response to Ontario’s increased electricity prices on energy exports to the US.
Criticizing Canada’s actions, Trump accused the country of using electricity “as a bargaining chip and threat.” In a fiery social media post, he warned, “Canada will pay a financial price so big that it will be read about in history books for years to come!”
Trump’s Push for Canada to Join the US
In an unexpected twist, Trump reiterated his controversial call for Canada to become part of the United States as a solution to trade disputes.
“The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty-First State,” Trump wrote on social media. “This would make all tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear.”
His remarks have sparked outrage among Canadians across the political spectrum.
Canadian Response and Retaliation
In response, Canada is planning new retaliatory tariffs, expected to be announced Wednesday. Carney referred to Canada’s previous $30 billion CAD (US$21 billion) in tariffs on American products, including orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, appliances, footwear, cosmetics, motorcycles, and certain paper products.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who had increased electricity prices in response to Trump’s initial tariffs, called for US business leaders to speak out against what he described as Trump’s reckless trade war.
“If we go into a recession, it’s self-made by one person—President Trump,” Ford said in an MSNBC interview. “It shouldn’t be this way. Both countries should be booming.”
Bipartisan criticism in Canada
Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre condemned Trump’s actions, calling them a betrayal of the long-standing friendship between the two nations. He urged Canada to match the US tariffs.
“If President Trump is imposing 50% tariffs on our steel and aluminum, Canada must respond with 50% tariffs on all US steel and aluminum imports,” Poilievre said in a statement.
He further emphasized Canada’s sovereignty, declaring, “Our message to the US administration must be clear—do not mistake our kindness for weakness. We are a strong, proud, and independent nation, and we will fight back against these economic attacks.”
With tensions at a boiling point, all eyes are now on how both nations will proceed in the latest chapter of their trade dispute.
English (US) ·