Canada has announced $29.8 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the United States following President Donald Trump's implementation of significant tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, and Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne unveiled the measures during a press conference on March 12, 2025, at Parliament Hill.
The tariffs are set to go live at 12:01 a.m. ET on March 13, 2025, and represent additional measures to the 25 percent tariffs Canada had already imposed on $30 billion worth of U.S. imports earlier this month. The levies will target approximately $12.6 billion worth of steel products, $3 billion worth of aluminum products, and other goods, including computers, sports equipment, and cast iron products.
“Canadians have made it very clear they will not back down and give in to this coercion,” stated Joly during the announcement, emphasizing Canada’s historical alliance with the United States. “Together, we have spent generations as best friends, best neighbors, and best allies—an example the world envies,” she added.
This retaliatory move from Canada is directly linked to Trump's executive order, which was enacted on March 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, stripping prior exemptions for countries, including Canada, from his 2018 tariffs on steel and aluminum. The White House insists these tariffs will invigorate U.S. factory jobs, yet critics warn such trade wars yield no winners.
“There are no winners in a trade war,” Joly noted, urging Americans to aid Canada by compelling their representatives to lift the tariffs. Her sentiments echoed the broader concern about the trade conflict's potential impact on both economies, especially as public sentiment continues to shift against perceived threats to sovereignty.
Hours before Canada’s announcement, Trump had modified his position on impending tariffs, retracting threats to double the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50 percent, after Ontario paused its export surcharge on electricity to the U.S. Trump reportedly expressed respect for Ford's decision.
On March 13, Finance Minister LeBlanc is set to meet with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to discuss easing tensions and advocating for a coherent dialogue on trade. “The conversation will be about lowering the pressure,” LeBlanc remarked, acknowledging the hurdles posed by continual tariff talk.
European leaders are also monitoring Canada’s actions closely. Ursula von der Leyen, Europe’s Commission President, confirmed on the same day the EU would also impose countermeasures worth €26 billion (approximately $28 billion), aimed at American products like bourbon and motorcycles, as retaliation for Trump’s tariffs.
Further pressures exerted by these tariffs may prompt economic consequences, as evident by the Bank of Canada’s decision to reduce its key lending rate to 2.75 percent, the seventh consecutive cut fueled by fears of trade-induced recession.
The fallout from this tariff conflict continues to incite nationalistic sentiments among Canadians. A recent poll by Leger Marketing shows public pride has surged amid these conflicts, climbing from 80 percent to 86 percent over the past months.
Former CUSMA talks have also generated speculation as to whether renegotiation is on the horizon, especially as the trade climate evolves. Nonetheless, officials have reiterated the importance of solidarity against any economic coercion. Joly, reinforcing Canada’s unity, stated, “This is not just trade; it touches on our identity and independence as Canadians.”
With the economic stakes rising, the stage is set for additional discussions as September 2025 looms and Trump’s intentions for more reciprocal tariffs come under scrutiny. “With respect to the United States, we understand and respect President Trump’s concern for American workers, and at this moment, Canada seeks to protect our workers as well,” LeBlanc stressed.
“This is more than just about tariffs. We are fighting for the future of our industries, our jobs, and our sovereignty,” affirmed Joly, preparing Canadians for the battle against what she termed “nonsense” from the U.S. administration.
The current tariff war may set the tone for future interactions between the two nations and could potentially affect not only bilateral trade relations but broader geopolitical dynamics. The upcoming meetings, particularly with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, will be pivotal as Canada aims to chart its course forward amid this tumultuous chapter.”