Canada Lodges WTO Complaint Against US Tariffs

Canada has officially filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the United States over its recent tariff hikes, the WTO confirmed on Wednesday.

The complaint follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada, citing the country’s failure to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The tariffs were announced shortly after Trump returned to office on January 20, though their implementation was temporarily paused before proceeding on Tuesday.

Canadian Ambassador to the WTO, Nadia Theodore, announced the move via LinkedIn late Tuesday, stating that the US decision had left Canada with “no choice.” She confirmed that Canada had formally requested WTO consultations with the US government over what it described as “unjustified tariffs.”

A WTO official confirmed to AFP that Canada had initiated dispute proceedings against the US, joining China, which recently filed a similar complaint over fresh American levies on Chinese goods.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly criticized the tariffs, branding the US trade measures as “dumb” and accusing Washington of attempting to destabilize Canada’s economy. The prime minister went so far as to suggest that Trump aimed to weaken Canada to facilitate its annexation by the US.

Despite the rising tensions, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed optimism that Trump could still negotiate a resolution with Canada and Mexico.

In her message, Theodore signed off with the phrase “Elbows up” — a nod to Canada’s national sport, hockey — while highlighting that she filed the complaint wearing a suit designed by Anishinaabe and Canadian designer Lesley Hampton.

The complaint adds to escalating trade disputes between the US and several global partners, with further retaliatory measures from Canada expected in the coming days.