Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned that American consumers would face higher prices if President Donald Trump follows through on his plans to impose hefty tariffs on Canadian goods, set to begin on February 1. Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, but they had not been enforced immediately upon his presidency.

Trudeau stated that if tariffs are imposed, Canada would retaliate, leading to higher costs for American consumers on nearly all products. He stressed that such a scenario would be detrimental to both countries, particularly affecting industries like autos, lumber, and oil, which could see prices rise sharply. Alberta's premier, Danielle Smith, even predicted that U.S. consumers in certain states might face gas price increases of over a dollar per gallon.

Trudeau highlighted Canada's vital role as a supplier of energy and critical minerals to the U.S., noting that nearly a quarter of America's daily oil consumption comes from Canada. He emphasized that the U.S. should be working more closely with Canada on energy and resources rather than escalating trade tensions.

In response to Trump's tariff threat, Canada is considering retaliatory measures, including levying tariffs on American orange juice, toilets, and steel products. Trudeau referred to past retaliations in 2018 when Canada imposed billions in duties on U.S. goods following similar tariff hikes.

Despite Trump's focus on the U.S.-Canada border, Trudeau reminded reporters that the vast majority of illegal drugs and migrants do not come from Canada. Trudeau also corrected Trump's repeated claims about the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, pointing out that the U.S. benefits greatly from Canadian exports like oil and other natural resources.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI