Trudeau criticized Trump’s proposed tariffs at a meeting with US business leaders Reuters
Author: Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods at a meeting with U.S. business leaders on Thursday, saying the move would have “negative effects” on both countries.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Trump says he will impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports unless Ottawa steps up border security. On Tuesday, the president-elect floated the idea of turning Canada into an American state.
Trudeau said this week that there is not a “very high chance” Canada will become part of the United States.
KEY QUOTATIONS
“The prime minister emphasized the importance of a stable and predictable business environment and the troubling effect that proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian products would have on Canadians and Americans,” Trudeau’s office said late Thursday.
“He stressed that tariffs only raise prices, discourage growth and investment, and negatively impact financial markets, stressing the importance of continued free trade and the free flow of goods and services,” the office added.
A tariff on goods crossing the border “would have negative effects on both Canada and the United States,” Trudeau told business leaders, according to his office.
The Prime Minister met with Jay Timmons, CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, and Joshua Bolten, CEO of the Business Roundtable, a body of more than 200 CEOs as members.
CONTEXT
Trudeau announced on Monday that he will step down in the coming months after nine years in power, bowing to pressure from lawmakers worried about his Liberal Party’s poor showing in pre-election polls.
While Trudeau has enjoyed good relations with Democratic President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama, his relations have been strained at times with Trump, who has been critical of the Canadian leader.
