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Update: On February 3, 2025, Canada and the U.S. agreed to temporarily pause tariffs for at least 30 days.
Montreal isn’t taking the Canada-USA trade war lightly.
Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump followed through on his promise to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hit back with a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of American products.
While Trudeau and Quebec Premier François Legault have already taken decisive action against the President, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante may use her municipal power to do the same.
On Monday, the mayor said the city is considering a 25% “penalty” on American suppliers as it actively searches for local and international alternatives to American goods.
“The City of Montreal will defend its economy with all the firmness that the current situation requires,” Plante wrote in an X post. “Cities are on the front lines. It is the workers, businesses and families who will suffer the first impacts of this senseless tariff war.”
She added that with the city already reviewing the list of American companies registered in its supplier registry and that a decision could be made as soon as this week.
“In the coming days, we will work hand in hand with higher governments to respond with force and determination to this attack on our economy,” said Plante. “In the face of such a threat, there is no partisanship or hesitation that holds. The friendship between our nations has always been based on mutual respect. If Washington chooses confrontation, we will respond with the same determination.”
This follows the SAQ’s decision to pull all American booze from its shelves, meaning brands like Jack Daniel’s, Tito’s, and White Claw will soon disappear from stores, bars, and restaurants across Quebec.With Montreal now reviewing its supplier list, it’s unclear which U.S. goods could be next on the chopping block.
One thing’s for sure — this trade war is heating up fast.
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