Canada has confirmed its decision to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods starting next week, following a phone conversation between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump. This move comes in response to the U.S. government’s planned implementation of new tariffs on April 2, 2025. According to a statement from Carney’s office, the Prime Minister informed Trump that the Canadian government would take these measures to protect Canadian workers and the economy in the face of the upcoming U.S. trade actions.
While the exact timing and scope of the retaliatory tariffs were not disclosed, the statement hinted that the leaders also discussed the upcoming U.S. presidential election, scheduled for April 28. Both leaders expressed a desire to engage in comprehensive negotiations on a new economic and security relationship following the election. Carney’s office described the conversation as “very constructive,” while Trump characterized it as “extremely productive” in a social media post.
The announcement comes amidst growing concerns over the potential for higher prices on goods in both the U.S. and Canada, with President Trump referring to April 2 as “Liberation Day.” The retaliatory tariffs mark the latest development in a tense trade relationship between the two nations.