Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned Monday that American tariffs on Canadian goods could significantly increase costs for US consumers. Speaking at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Trudeau stated that Americans "are beginning to wake up to the reality" of these potential economic impacts. This comes as President-elect Trump considers imposing a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico if they fail to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, a move he admits could raise prices in the US.
Trudeau acknowledged the complexity of trade negotiations with Trump, noting the administration's clear intentions compared to his 2016 term. US tariffs would lead to substantial cost increases for American households, significantly affecting items such as food, clothing, and vehicles. Canada is preparing potential retaliatory measures. Trudeau referenced past tariff responses, highlighting politically strategic tariffs on specific US goods. "It was the fact that we put tariffs on bourbon and Harley-Davidsons and playing cards and Heinz ketchup and cherries and a number of other things that were very carefully targeted because they were politically impactful to the president's party and colleagues," he said.
Canadian officials assert that equating their trade practices with Mexico's is unreasonable. While US Border Patrol encounters were notably higher along the Mexican border, economic ties with Canada remain robust. Canada's ambassador to the US, Kirsten Hillman, emphasized Canada's vital role, particularly in energy exports. With $2.7 billion worth of goods and services exchanged daily, Trudeau advocates for thoughtful negotiations to mitigate adverse effects from proposed tariffs. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
