Canada threatens to react to unfair tariffs from Trump

Canada threatens to react to unfair tariffs from Trump

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that his country will react "robust" if US President Donald Trump actually imposes tariffs on Canada. In a press conference, he explained: "Everything is on the table."

Trudeau talks about possible customs increases

"If there are unjust tariffs, we will react vigorously and are ready to support the Canadians and protect our interests," said Trudeau in French when answering a question of a journalist.

Trump plans punitive tariffs

Trump said that his government was a 25%tax Canada and Mexico will, possibly already from February 1 - a measure that could increase the prices for American consumers.

relationship with the USMCA and security issues

Trudeau also spoke about Trump's executive measure, which was signed on Monday and the authorities show how the US Mexico-Kanada Agreement (USMCA) affects American employees and companies-and whether the United States should remain in the free trade agreement. Its measure requires the authorities to assess whether a stricter US trade policy could successfully restrict the flow of Fentanyl and illegal migrants to the United States.

Canada's role in border security

"While less than 1 % of the fentanyl and illegal immigrant who come to the United States from Canada has already acted in order to tackle the concerns expressed by the President with regard to border security with a comprehensive border plan of over $ 1 billion," explained Trudeau. "We are already working together to protect our citizens on both sides of the border."

The economic importance of Canada

"Canadian energy drives American production, companies and households. Of America's five most important trading partners, Canada is the only partner to have a trade surplus in production with the USA, and Canada buys more American goods than China, Japan and Germany," he added.

Trudeau refers to alternative energy sources

Trudeau noticed that Trump's alleged “golden age” of the USA requires more raw materials such as steel, aluminum, minerals as well as reliable and affordable energy. "Canada has all of these resources and we are ready to work with the United States to create a flourishing and safe North American economy," continued Trudeau.

The possible effects of tariffs on consumers

"The alternative for you would be more resources from Russia, China or Venezuela. Canada is a safe, stable and reliable partner in an insecure world," he added.

If the tariffs are actually implemented, this could put a strain on the letters of the Americans, especially since Mexico and Canada are two of the three most important trading partners in the United States. Together they made up 30 % of the value of all goods imported by the United States, according to the official merchant data.

While Trump claims that foreign exporters are concerned with tariffs, US consumers must also bear part of the costs, since retailers can unlikely to absorb the additional costs.

CNNS Elisabeth Buchwald, Kayla Tausche, Kevin Liptak and David Goldman contributed to this report.