Canada is to begin imposing counter-tariffs on US goods today, after the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian products. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement on Monday, saying Canada will not blink in the intensifying trade dispute.
The first round of tariffs will comprise C$30 billion worth of U.S. goods, while an additional C$125 billion in tariffs will kick in over the next three weeks. The Canadian government is still sticking to the position that the tariffs will stay unless the White House rescinds them.
“Our tariffs will stay in place until the US changes its mind,” Trudeau said. “We are also talking with provinces and territories about other non-tariff measures as well if needed,” 
The U.S. tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump, are a 25% tax on goods coming in from both Canada and Mexico, opening up new trade tensions between the two North American partners. Economists say the intensifying row could disrupt supply lines, force up prices for people buying goods and strain diplomatic ties.
Economists expect a major threat to industries handling transboundary trade, such as cars, farming, and manufacturing businesses. Cross border business leaders are calling on negotiations in order to avoid further economic damage.
As the standoff escalates, everyone is eagerly awaiting what comes next from the U.S. administration – whether it will cool things down or heat up the already tense North American trade relations.
