Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned of a strong response to potential U.S. tariffs amid trade tensions, particularly related to the fentanyl crisis, where he noted that less than one percent of fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from Canada. He emphasized the joint efforts of Canadian officials to prevent tariffs and enhance border security with a significant investment of USD 1.3 billion. President Trump, while criticizing drug smuggling from Canada and Mexico, reiterated his plans to impose tariffs starting March 4 after a previous 30-day pause, insisting that such measures are necessary to combat the drug crisis.
Ottawa:
On Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a warning about the possible imposition of tariffs by the United States, stating that “Canada will have an immediate and extremely strong response,” according to CBS News.
“We will continue our efforts and take all necessary actions to prevent these tariffs from being enacted, but like I mentioned, if unjustified tariffs are imposed on Canada this Tuesday, we will respond swiftly and powerfully, as Canadians expect,” Trudeau remarked.
This announcement comes in the context of escalating trade tensions between the two nations. US President Donald Trump has consistently pointed out the issue of illegal drug trafficking into the US, purportedly coming from both Canada and Mexico.
Consequently, Trump has decided to proceed with implementing tariffs on both countries, effective March 4. Moreover, reciprocal tariffs will remain in full effect from April 2.
Additionally, Trudeau highlighted that “the primary focus regarding tariffs is to stress that our government, along with all members of Team Canada including premiers, business, and community leaders, is dedicated to ensuring that no tariffs are applied to Canada come Tuesday and in the following weeks,” as reported by CBS News.
“The tariffs the president references for next week relate to the fentanyl crisis that the United States is facing, which is also a concern for Canada,” he noted.
In addressing worries about fentanyl trafficking into the United States, he stated, “For months now, I’ve highlighted that less than one percent of the fentanyl entering the United States originates from Canada. However, we acknowledge that even that small percentage needs to be curtailed, which is why we have invested USD 1.3 billion in enhancing our border capabilities with Blackhawk helicopters, drones, and 10,000 personnel patrolling our borders to ensure the safety of both Canadians and Americans.”
“And it’s important to stress that Canada is not the root of the problems faced by the United States,” he added.
Meanwhile, on February 4, the US President temporarily suspended tariffs on imports from both countries for 30 days, stating that he had secured new commitments to bolster border security. This pause follows a conversation he had with the leaders of Mexico and Canada.
“Drugs are still entering our country from Mexico and Canada at alarmingly high and intolerable levels. A significant portion of these drugs, especially Fentanyl, are produced and supplied by China. Last year, over 100,000 individuals lost their lives due to the distribution of these dangerous and highly addictive substances,” Trump expressed in a post on Truth Social.
Pointing to the issue of drug smuggling across the border, Trump pledged to halt or “seriously limit” these substances, particularly Fentanyl.
“Millions have died over the past two decades. The families of those affected are devastated and, in many cases, irreparably harmed. We cannot permit this epidemic to continue to affect the USA, and until it is stopped or significantly curtailed, the proposed tariffs set to take effect on March 4 will indeed be implemented as scheduled,” Trump wrote.
Furthermore, China will incur an additional 10 percent tariff starting March 4.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)