President Trump's threat to impose tariffs on Canadian imports hangs over Ottawa as officials wait for his final decision. While Trump has indicated a willingness to reduce tariffs on Canadian oil to 10 percent, the White House confirms 25 percent levies on imports from both Canada and Mexico. Canadian ministers met with U.S. officials in a last-ditch effort to avert the tariffs, but Trump remains resolute, stating no concessions will prevent these duties. Canadian premiers are divided on how to respond, with some advocating for all options while others, like Alberta's Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan's Scott Moe, oppose retaliatory measures against oil and potash exports.
Canadian authorities are on edge, awaiting U.S. President Donald Trump 's decision on whether to impose punitive tariffs on Canadian imports today. Trump announced on Friday that he is considering reducing tariffs on Canadian oil to 10 percent, following the White House's confirmation that he will proceed with 25 percent levies on goods from both Canada and Mexico. Despite initially promising to implement these duties on his first day back in office, Trump refrained from doing so.
However, he reiterated his tariff threat, repeatedly hinting at a February 1st imposition. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, speaking from Washington D.C. on Friday evening, expressed uncertainty regarding the situation following Trump's recent statements. The federal government has prepared various retaliatory tariff options, ready to be deployed depending on Trump's final action. 'We have yet to see any clear decision-making or specific details coming from the White House,' Joly stated. Trump's explanation of his tariff plan during a Friday Oval Office press conference was vague. While addressing an unrelated question, he also suggested the possibility of oil tariffs taking effect on February 18th, leaving it unclear if this statement was connected to Canada.Throughout the week, Joly, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, and Immigration Minister Marc Miller engaged in last-ditch efforts to avert the tariffs by meeting with Republican officials, including Trump's border czar Tom Homan, in the U.S. capital. The ministers presented Canada's $1.3-billion border security plan, aiming to alleviate Trump's concerns. They also emphasized the minimal volume of people and drugs illegally crossing the Canada-U.S. border, pointing out that the amount of drugs entering the United States from Canada is minuscule compared to those originating from Mexico and China. U.S. Customs and Border Protection data for the period between October 2023 and September 2024 reveals that officials confiscated 9,930 kilograms of fentanyl at American borders, with only 20 kilograms originating from Canada. However, it seems unlikely that strengthening border security would have swayed the president's stance. Trump asserted on Friday that no concessions would prevent Canada, Mexico, or China from facing these levies.Canadian premiers remain divided on the appropriate response if Trump follows through with his threats. While some advocate for considering all options, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe insist that exports of oil and other resources like potash should be excluded from any retaliation plans. October saw the United States importing nearly 4.6 million barrels of oil daily from Canada, according to the Energy Information Administration. Moe and Smith, on Friday, expressed their anticipation of Trump's final decision. 'We would ask President Trump's administration to not put those tariffs on,' Moe stated. 'And we would also ask our federal government to address the priorities that President Trump has raised.'
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