Canada has no intention of lifting the tariffs imposed on the United States until the government of Donald Trump completely cancels the duties, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared on Thursday. Trump, in turn, accused Trudeau of using the issue of tariffs for electoral purposes, despite the fact that the Canadian leader has stated he will not seek re-election.
Trudeau stated at a press conference that Canada will not suspend the tariffs just because the United States has recently made a change. Although the U.S. government temporarily suspended the 25% tariffs on trade with Canada and Mexico in the automotive sector, Trudeau insisted that Canada seeks to eliminate all tariffs and, while they remain in effect, will focus on minimizing their impact on the economy and Canadian citizens.
The Canadian leader warned of upcoming days of a trade war promoted by the United States and announced his intention to step down from his position last January, although he will continue until the Liberal Party elects his successor on March 9, before the general elections scheduled for October this year.
Trump recently initiated a series of trade disputes by imposing tariffs on several countries, including Mexico, Canada, and China. He uses these duties as a pressure measure to get Mexico and Canada to take additional action against irregular immigration and the trafficking of illicit substances.
Trudeau confirmed that Canada will maintain the tariffs imposed on the United States until the Trump administration completely removes the duties. Amid this tension, uncertainty remains about the future of trade relations between the two countries.
