In a significant move escalating trade tensions, Canada has imposed a retaliatory 25 percent tariff on US imports valued at C$30 billion ($20.7 billion). This decision comes as a direct response to the United States' recent tariff measures, which Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has criticized harshly.
Prime Minister Trudeau accused US President Donald Trump of attempting to undermine the Canadian economy, stating, \"These tariffs are not just numbers; they represent a direct attack on Canadian industries and our way of life.\" He also announced that Canada plans to challenge the US measures at the World Trade Organization, seeking to defend its economic interests on the international stage.
Local leaders are also feeling the impact of these trade policies. Joe Preston, the Mayor of St. Thomas, Ontario, discussed the challenges faced by local businesses and communities due to the new tariffs. \"Our manufacturers are struggling to cope with the increased costs, and this is creating uncertainty for our workforce,\" Preston remarked. He emphasized the importance of both federal and local responses to mitigate the adverse effects on the community.
The imposition of these tariffs is expected to have wide-ranging effects on various sectors, including automotive, agriculture, and technology. As Canada navigates this complex trade landscape, stakeholders are closely watching the developments at the World Trade Organization and the broader implications for North American trade relations.
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Canadian mayor on US tariffs: Ready to work with rest-of-world
cgtn.com
