Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned that Canada is gearing up for a trade showdown with the United States if President Donald Trump enacts his promised tariffs on Tuesday. In a defiant statement issued late Monday, Trudeau declared, “Canada will not stand idly by in the face of this unwarranted aggression. If U.S. tariffs take effect tonight, we’ll hit back with 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American imports starting at 12:01 a.m. EST tomorrow.”
Trudeau emphasized that these retaliatory measures would persist “until the U.S. reverses its trade stance,” and hinted at further non-tariff actions in partnership with Canada’s provinces and territories. The plan, initially outlined last month, unfolds in two stages: an immediate $30 billion tariff package targeting U.S. goods, followed by a broader $125 billion wave after a 21-day public consultation period.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, speaking earlier Monday on Parliament Hill, called Trump’s tariffs “a dire threat to our nation’s survival,” underscoring Canada’s readiness to respond. The U.S. tariffs, first floated by Trump in November, aim to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking across the Canadian border. Despite a last-minute agreement on February 1—bolstered by Canada’s $1.3-billion border security overhaul, featuring drones, personnel, and a new “fentanyl czar”—Trump doubled down Monday, insisting the levies would proceed as planned. “No more delays,” he told White House reporters. “They kick in tomorrow.”
Joly countered that Canada’s border efforts should satisfy U.S. concerns, noting, “We’ve laid out a solid strategy and backed it with resources.” Trudeau echoed this, highlighting that “under one percent of fentanyl seized at the U.S. border originates from Canada,” and stressed Ottawa’s relentless fight against the drug crisis plaguing both nations.
Trump has also signaled more tariffs ahead, including 25% duties on steel and aluminum starting March 12, alongside reciprocal tariffs in early April. National Defence Minister Bill Blair lamented the move, calling it “a tragedy with far-reaching consequences for Canadians and Americans alike,” while affirming ongoing talks with U.S. officials.