After weeks of threats, Trump on Saturday signed off on 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian imports except energy resources, which will be hit with a 10 percent levy. A review of the pact, which a Canadian official called a "gold standard agreement," was due to be held next year.
The list includes cosmetics, appliances, tires, tools, plastics, furniture, coffee, wines and spirits, dairy and fruits. Officials said the Canadian tariffs do not target specifically Republican states, but aim to put pressure on lawmakers with influence over Trump, who are more likely to be Republicans.
President Donald Trump said he will discuss the punishing tariffs he has levied on Canada and Mexico with both countries on Monday, after arguing that Americans may feel economic "pain" from the 25 percent duties but that it will be "worth the price. Speaking to reporters after he flew back to Washington Sunday evening from a weekend in Florida, Trump said he was "speaking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tomorrow morning, and I'm also speaking with Mexico tomorrow morning.
A fervent supporter of tariffs, Trump had always maintained that their impact would be borne by foreign exporters, without being passed on to American consumers, contradicting the opinion of a broad range of experts.
Earlier Sunday he acknowledged, in a series of messages on his Truth Social network, that Americans may feel economic "pain" from his tariffs, but argued it would be "worth the price" to secure US interests. China, Mexico and Canada are the top three US trade partners and all have vowed to retaliate when the tariffs take effect Tuesday. Yes, maybe and maybe not!
