Justin Trudeau urges US to weigh harm of tariffs amid Trump’s ‘51st State’ remarks

Trudeau dismissed the idea, saying, “The 51st state, that’s not going to happen. But people are talking about that instead of focusing on what a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium coming into the US would mean”, as reported by Associated Press (AP). 

Speaking to MSNBC, Trudeau added, “No American wants to pay 25 per cent more for electricity or oil and gas coming from Canada. This is something people need to take seriously.”

Canada supplies about a quarter of the oil consumed in the US, exporting 4.3 million barrels daily, mainly from Alberta.

Trump, however, has claimed the US does not need oil or other resources from Canada, even though data from the US Energy Information Administration shows the US relies on Canadian oil to meet its demand.

Trudeau suggested that Trump’s threats are part of a negotiation strategy. “He likes to keep people off balance,” Trudeau remarked, referring to Trump’s use of economic pressure to push for concessions.

Canadian officials have warned that if the US moves forward with the tariffs, Canada may retaliate with levies on American products like orange juice, toilets, and steel.

This would echo actions taken during Trump’s first term, when Canada imposed tariffs on US goods, including bourbon, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and playing cards, in response to similar trade measures.

Trump has also linked the tariff threats to border security, suggesting he might reconsider if Canada strengthens its border management.

Trudeau countered, stating that less than 1 per cent of illegal immigrants and fentanyl enter the US from Canada. Nonetheless, after a meeting with Trump in November, Trudeau announced increased spending on border security to address US concerns.

Trudeau, whose party is trailing in the polls, announced his resignation last week. He will step down on 9 March, when Canada’s Liberal Party will choose a new leader.

(with inputs from AP)