FM states that Canada prepared for the biggest trade conflict with the US under the leadership of Trump

Former President Donald Trump is set to make a return to the White House next week, where he has announced intentions to implement significant economic measures, including the imposition of punitive 25-percent tariffs on Canadian imports. This decision forms part of a broader strategy that also aims to address trade relations with Mexico, China, and other international partners.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly stated on Friday during a press briefing in Washington that the U.S. could initiate the largest trade conflict with Canada in several decades. She emphasized that such actions by the United States would constitute the onset of a trade war with Canada.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly stated that the country is poised to exert significant pressure, revealing that Canada has a range of measures ready to implement should former President Trump follow through on his tariff threats. Such tariffs could substantially affect Canadian consumers and employment, she noted.

In the wake of her visit to Washington from January 15 to 17, Canadian Foreign Minister Joly issued a warning after engaging with American government officials. The discussions centered on critical matters, including bilateral trade and the security situation along the 8,891-kilometer border shared by the two North American nations.

In remarks made at the inaugural meeting of the Canada-US Relations Council on Friday, Canada’s outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to retaliate if former U.S. President Donald Trump proceeds with his proposal to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. Trudeau emphasized a firm stance against such economic measures, highlighting the potential for heightened trade tensions between the two nations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cautioned that while Canada is not in favor of facing U.S. tariffs on its products, the nation is prepared to implement a domestic strategy if necessary.

He stated that Canada and its citizens would be staunchly and unambiguously defended.

The proposed tariffs are likely to jeopardize American employment, elevate costs for consumers in the United States, threaten collective security, and lead to increased expenses throughout the continent.

In an interview with MSNBC earlier this week, the departing Canadian Prime Minister stated that while Ottawa is not seeking a trade conflict with the incoming U.S. administration, it will be compelled to respond if tariffs are imposed on Canadian products.

According to reports from Canadian government sources, Ottawa is gearing up to impose tariffs on a range of U.S. goods, such as steel products, ceramics, tiles, glassware, and orange juice. This action represents the initial phase of a plan that could be further expanded.