Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs against the US, in a move that marks the beginning of a trade war between the neighbouring countries.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set out “far-reaching” tariffs of 25%, affecting 155bn Canadian dollars’ worth ($106.6bn; £86bn) of American goods ranging from beer and wine, to household appliances and sporting goods.
The move matches US President Donald Trump 25% levy on Canadian and Mexican imports to the US – and an additional 10% on China – over his concerns about illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Trudeau said he would “not back down in standing up for Canadians”, but warned of real consequences for people on both sides of the border.
“We don’t want to be here, we didn’t ask for this,” he said at a news conference late on Saturday.
The Canadian prime minister added that tariffs on 30bn-worth US goods would come into force on Tuesday and another 125bn in 21 days to give Canadian firms time to adjust.
Trudeau’s response targets items including American beer, wine, bourbon, fruits and fruit juices, vegetables, perfumes, clothing and shoes, as well as household appliances, sporting goods and furniture.
Lumber and plastics will also face levies and non-tariff measures are also being considered are related to critical minerals and procurement.
Economists have warned the introduction of the import taxes by the US, and the response from Canada, as well as Mexico and China, could lead to prices rising on a wide range of products for consumers.
Canada, Mexico and the US have deeply integrated economies, with an estimated $2bn (£1.6bn) worth of manufactured goods crossing the borders daily.
Canada is America’s largest foreign supplier of crude oil. According to the most recent official trade figures, 61% of oil imported into the US between January and November last year came from Canada.
While 25% has been slapped on Canadian goods imported to the US, its energy faces a lower 10% tariff.
