Montreal - Agencies: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday that his country is working around the clock to avoid the tariffs that the United States intends to impose on its imports from Canada and Mexico, emphasizing that Canada will respond “immediately” and “strongly” if these measures come into effect next week.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had announced his intention to impose a 25% tariff on all imports coming from Canada and Mexico, attributing this to the ongoing flow of illegal immigrants and the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States. Trump confirmed in a social media post that these tariffs will take effect on March 4, unless the two countries take serious steps to address these issues.

In statements to reporters in Montreal, Trudeau said: “We are working day and night with one goal in mind, which is to avoid the imposition of these tariffs next Tuesday,” but he also emphasized that “if these tariffs are imposed, we will have an immediate and very strong response.”

Trudeau noted that less than 1% of the fentanyl and undocumented immigrants reaching the United States come through the Canadian border, considering the imposition of tariffs an “unjustified measure.” In an attempt to address American concerns, Canada announced the appointment of an intelligence official to lead the country’s efforts in combating fentanyl smuggling, fulfilling a promise made to the U.S. government.

In contrast, Mexico received an extension until April 2 to avoid the imposition of tariffs, after committing to intensify its efforts to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration, along with imposing a 25% tariff on Chinese semiconductors and electronic chips, in a move aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese technology.

These developments come amid rising trade tensions between the United States and its key partners, with concerns about the outbreak of a new trade war that could impact the global economy.