Ottawa/CMEDIA: In response to the United States’ reported imposition of unjustified and unreasonable tariffs on Canadian goods, the Govt of Canada is moving forward with 25 percent tariffs on $155 billion worth of imported U.S. products to Canada to protect Canadian interests and support for the workers and industries.
In its first phase of response, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, unveiled the full list of items covered by tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the U.S. to be effective February 4, 2025, when the U.S. tariffs are applied.
The list includes products such as beverages, cosmetics and paper products.
As announced earlier, Canada also intends to impose tariffs on an additional list of imported U.S. products, worth $125 billion in its second list.
“Canada and the U.S. are more than just trading partners…We want to preserve this relationship, but in the face of the unjustified U.S. tariffs…we are taking action to protect our economy, our workers and our businesses. We will always stand for Canada,” said LeBlanc.
Being the top customer for U.S. goods and services exports as well as a critical supplier of goods and services integral to the U.S. economy, Canada buys more U.S. goods than China, Japan, France and the United Kingdom combined.
With over US$2.5 billion worth of goods and services crossing the Canada-US border everyday, millions of jobs on both sides of the border depend on this relationship.
Prior to the implementation of the second list, it will be made available in the coming days, for a 21-day public comment period.
Included in the second list will be products such as passenger vehicles, trucks and buses, steel and aluminum products, certain fruits and vegetables, aerospace products, beef, pork, dairy products, and more.
Steps are also being taken by the Canadian government to mitigate the impact of these countermeasures on Canadian workers and businesses.
A remission process for Canadian businesses is being launched to facilitate requests for exceptional relief from the tariffs that are imposed as part of Canada’s response to the U.S. applying unjustified tariffs on Canada.
While the government considers additional measures, all options would remain on the table including non-tariff options, should the U.S. continue to apply unjustified tariffs on Canada.
The U.S. administration has imposed tariffs which are unjustified, and detrimental to both Americans and Canadians.
While working with provincial, territorial and industry partners, Canada’s focus would be to get US tariffs removed as quickly as possible. Until then, Canada would keep its response balanced and resolute.
As the largest export market for 36 states, Canada is among the top three for 46 states, with 43 states exporting over US$1 billion to Canada every year.
With an aim to strengthen immigration system, bolster border security, and keep Canadians safe the Government of Canada announced Dec 17, 2024 its Canada’s Border Plan.
Backed by an investment of $1.3 billion this plan is built around five pillars: 1) Detecting and disrupting fentanyl trade; 2) Introducing significant new tools for law enforcement; 3) Enhancing operational coordination; 4) Increasing information sharing; and 5) Minimizing unnecessary border volumes.
The fentanyl and illegal crossings into the United States from Canada is less than 1 percent.
