PARIS — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada will firmly resist any new U.S. tariffs on steel, calling President Donald Trump’s recent move to impose duties “completely unjustified.” Speaking on Tuesday during an artificial intelligence summit in Paris, Trudeau emphasized that Canadians are ready to respond forcefully if necessary.
“Our response will be strong and clear,” Trudeau told AFP. “We are the United States’ closest ally, and yet we are being targeted with tariffs that hurt both our economies.”
Trump signed executive orders on Monday introducing 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, effective from March 12. These actions mark another escalation in the ongoing trade tensions between Washington and its North American partners.
Trade Tensions Escalate in North America
Canada and Mexico are the top exporters of steel to the U.S., and both countries are now grappling with the impact of these new trade restrictions. Trudeau stressed that Ottawa will work closely with the U.S. administration in the coming weeks to highlight how the tariffs will harm not only Canadian businesses but also American consumers and industries.
“We will not back down from defending Canadian workers and industries,” the Canadian leader added. The announcement follows a wave of reciprocal trade threats and increasing economic strain between the two neighboring countries.
This development comes just days after Mexico announced retaliatory tariffs, raising concerns about a potential full-blown trade war in North America.
As Trudeau continues his efforts to defuse tensions through diplomacy, experts warn that prolonged uncertainty could jeopardize existing trade agreements and dampen investor confidence across the region.
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