Canadian PM Surprised By Trump's Tariff Policy, Will Take Strict Action

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau/PHOTO via Instagram @justinpjtrudeau

JAKARTA - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would pay close attention to the negative impact of US steel and aluminum rates. If needed, Canada will respond to US President Donald Trump's policy rates firmly.

"Canada will take firm action if necessary," Trudeau said on the sidelines of an artificial intelligence summit in Paris.

US President Donald Trump raised the tariff for imports of steel and aluminum on Monday to 25 percent without exception, aiming to revive the sluggish sector but risk causing a broader trade war.

Trudeau called the tariff unacceptable.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised to take "firm and proportional countermeasures" in response to US President Donald Trump's decision to charge all steel and aluminum imports. Trump's latest policy tariff raises fears of a trade war.

Trump signed the decision to increase the tariff for all steel and aluminum imports to 25 percent without exception. White House officials said the action would take effect on March 4.

Von der Leyen said his party deeply regretted the US decision. He said tariffs are poor taxes for businesses and worse for consumers.

EU steel exports to the US averaged 3 billion euros (3.10 billion US dollars) per year over the past decade.

Unfair rates against the EU will not be left alone this will trigger firm and proportional countermeasures. The EU will act to protect its interests," he said.

Von der Leyen did not provide details of his response. One option is to reactivate the rates imposed by the EU in 2018, which were suspended based on an agreed ceasefire between von der Leyen and former US President Joe Biden.