Trade war in the middle of North America: Trudeau strikes back!

A new trade conflict is brewing between Canada and the USA! Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken immediate countermeasures in response to US President Donald Trump's announced 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico. From March 4, 2025, at 6:01 a.m. CET, the first tariffs on US goods of 25 percent will be introduced, initially on goods with a total value of 30 billion dollars. After 21 days, this volume will rise to an impressive $155 billion, like stuttgarter-zeitung.de reported.

Trudeau makes it clear: If Washington does not withdraw its tariffs, Canada will not remain idle either. “We are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to adopt several non-tariff measures,” Trudeau announced. This could potentially include restricting or even stopping oil exports to the US, which could have devastating consequences for the American economy. Trump, on the other hand, currently sees no scope for negotiations. “They come into force tomorrow,” he made it clear in Washington, which could further strain relations between the neighbors vienna.at.

Targeting smuggling

Trump justifies his tariffs with the fight against drug trafficking, especially fentanyl. While his government hesitates to apply further pressure, Trudeau emphasizes that Canada is actively combating smuggling. The premier emphasizes that less than one percent of fentanyl seized at the U.S. border comes from Canada. In fact, the amount of fentanyl intercepted fell by 97 percent from December to January to just 14 grams. Trudeau appears determined to defend Canadian interests in this escalating dispute.