Trump’s move against ‘closest friend’ savaged as ‘dumb’ as US trade war in full swing

Canadian Prime Minister has branded US President ‘s decision to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada “a very dumb thing to do”. Mr Trudeau addressed his nation in the wake of the bombshell move from Washington.

Speaking in Ottawa, he told reporters: “Today the United States has launched a trade war against Canada, its closest partner and ally, its closest friend.” Referring to the Trump administration, he added: “They have chosen to sabotage their agenda. There is absolutely no justification or need for these tariffs today.” Addressing the US President directly, the Canadian leader also said: “Now I want to speak directly to one specific American. Donald, in the over eight years you and I have worked together we’ve done big things.”

Later, he said: “It’s not in my habit to agree with the Wall Street Journal, but Donald, they point out that even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do.

“We two friends fighting, is exactly what our opponents around the world want to see.”

As well as the 25% tariffs on Canada, overnight saw 25% tariffs placed on Mexico, and a further 10% tariff placed on China taking the total tariff on Chinese imports to 20%.

Several US companies, notably carmakers, have factories in Mexico and Canada and therefore will be hit by the tariff.

Addressing this concern, Mr Trump said: “They’re going to have a tariff. So what they have to do is build their car plants, frankly, and other things in the United States, in which case they have no tariffs.”

In response to Trump’s levies, Canada said it would hit back immediately, imposing 25% tariffs on US imports worth C$30bn (£16.3bn).

These tariffs are to be extended in 21 days to cover even more US goods entering Canada if the US does not scrap its new import taxes.