Trudeau Warns of "Strong Response" to US Tariff Bombardment... "We Are Better Than Russia and China"

Trudeau Stresses Need for a Reliable Partner to Trump’s “Golden Age of America” Vision

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on the 21st (local time) that Canada will strongly respond to the United States' planned 25% tariff on Canadian goods starting in February, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The photo shows Prime Minister Trudeau waving upon his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, USA, last July to attend the NATO summit. (AFP·Yonhap News)

Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, on the 21st (local time), announced that Canada will strongly respond to the United States' announced plan to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods starting in February.

At a press conference held in Montebello, Quebec, Trudeau responded to questions about President Donald Trump's tariff announcement by saying, "Canada will respond and is considering all options," according to major foreign news agencies including AFP.

Trudeau added, "(The response) will be strong, swift, and balanced," and that Canada will implement a countermeasure strategy proportional to the level of tariffs imposed by the U.S. He also noted, "We know that there is always a certain level of unpredictability and rhetoric from this (Trump) administration."

He expressed concern that while the 'trade war' will cost the U.S., "Canada will also have to pay a price." The Canadian government is reportedly reviewing U.S. products such as steel, ceramics, glass, and orange juice as potential targets for the first phase of retaliatory tariffs.

While indicating a tough response, Trudeau also emphasized Canada's advantage as a trading partner over other resource countries like Russia, China, and Venezuela to President Trump, who is known as a 'deal maker.'

Trudeau stated, "The (Trump) President said he wants to bring the 'golden age of America,' and for that, everything needed to run the U.S. economy at full speed ? more steel and aluminum, essential minerals, more reliable and affordable energy ? will be necessary."

He also announced a comprehensive $1 billion plan to address fentanyl trafficking through border security measures. The Trump administration has pointed out that large quantities of fentanyl, known as the so-called 'zombie drug,' are being smuggled into Canada and Mexico via China. For this reason, President Trump has also announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on China starting in February.

Some reports suggest that President Trump is using the high tariff card to push for an early renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources, reported on the 21st (local time) that although the USMCA is scheduled for a statutory review in 2026, Trump hopes to bring forward the renegotiation timeline.

The USMCA was established to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Currently, the trade volume between the U.S. and neighboring countries under the USMCA is about $2 trillion. Since the agreement was signed, Mexico and Canada have surpassed China to become the U.S.'s largest trading partners.

Meanwhile, Trudeau recently agreed to resign from his position if a new party leader is appointed.