Trudeau Says Canada Is Ready to Respond to Possible Trump Tariffs

Reuters

11:59 JST, January 22, 2025

TORONTO (Reuters) – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated on Tuesday that his government is ready to respond to all scenarios if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes tariffs on Canada.

Asked about an uncertain timeline on possible tariffs, Trudeau said Trump is a skilled negotiator who likes to keep his negotiating partners a bit off-balance.

Trump is expected to sign more executive orders on his second day in office. On Monday he suggested across-the-board tariffs on Mexican and Canadian exports to the United States could take effect beginning in February.

“Donald Trump’s approach does bring in uncertainty,” Trudeau said, adding that he speaks “regularly” with Trump.

“As regards next formal interactions, stay tuned.”

Trudeau said Trump’s promised prosperity for America will require Canadian resources to fuel it.

“Canada provides many of the necessary inputs the American economy is going to need in order to grow and boom.”