Trump announces 25% tariff on Canadian products as leaders seek urgent talks
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican products starting January 20. This marks a significant increase from his previous campaign promise of a 10% tariff on all imports. Trump linked the tariffs to concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Trump shortly after the announcement, emphasizing that the number of migrants crossing from Canada is minimal compared to those from Mexico. Provincial leaders, including Ontario's Doug Ford and Quebec's François Legault, called for urgent meetings to address the potential economic impact. Canadian officials highlighted the importance of trade with the U.S., noting that Canada is a major buyer of American goods. They expressed concerns that the proposed tariffs would harm both Canadian and American industries, particularly in the automotive sector, which relies heavily on cross-border supply chains.