Arab Canada News
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Published: February 2, 2025
Amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada, Canada’s Ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, stated that her country will stand firm against the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Hillman confirmed that Canada does not wish to escalate the dispute, but is prepared to take countermeasures to protect its interests.
These statements came after the United States imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, justifying this by claiming these countries were not cooperating in combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration. In response, Canada announced the imposition of tariffs on American exports, including products such as beer, wine, and fruits.
Hillman clarified in an interview with ABC News that the Canadian government hopes to avoid the implementation of these tariffs, but is facing internal pressure to respond firmly. She added, “We are not seeking to escalate, but there are strong expectations from the Canadian public that we defend our interests.”
For his part, Trump indicated that these tariffs will remain in place until what he described as a “national emergency” concerning the opioid crisis and illegal immigration is resolved.
Discussions between officials from both countries continue in an effort to avoid escalating the trade dispute. Hillman expressed hope that American consumers will understand that Canadian countermeasures are not desirable, but necessary to protect the Canadian economy.
It is worth noting that these developments come amidst broader trade tensions that also involve Mexico and China, as the United States seeks to address issues related to trade and national security.
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