Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on March 4 criticized the new tariffs imposed by the US as "very silly", according to AP. During a press conference in Ottawa, Mr. Trudeau expressed anger when saying that the US had started a trade war against Canada, "its closest ally and partner, its closest friend, while they are talking about working actively with Russia".

Earlier in the day, the US began imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, with a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products. Canada immediately responded with a 25% tariff on more than $100 billion worth of US goods. Mexico will announce its response later this week.

"What he (US President Donald Trump) wants to see is the total collapse of the Canadian economy because that would make it easier to annex us. That will never happen. We will never become the 51st state (of theirs)," Mr. Trudeau declared, referring to Mr. Trump's previous statement about making Canada a US state.

Earlier, Mr. Trump posted a warning to Mr. Trudeau on the social network Truth Social, calling the leader of the neighboring country "governor" instead of prime minister. "Please explain to Governor Trudeau of Canada that when he imposes retaliatory tariffs on the United States, our reciprocal tariffs will immediately increase to the same amount," Mr. Trump wrote.

Meanwhile, at the press conference, Prime Minister Trudeau referred to the US President by his first name instead of his last name. "I want to speak directly to a specific American, Mr. Donald. I don't make a habit of agreeing with the Wall Street Journal , but Donald, they pointed out that even though you are a very smart person, this is a very stupid thing to do," Mr. Trudeau said about the tax.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later hinted that the US could negotiate with Canada and Mexico and could announce a deal as soon as March 5. Mr. Lutnick told Fox Business News that tariffs would not be suspended but that President Trump would reach a compromise. "I think he'll find a way. You do more and I'll meet you in the middle in some way," the secretary said.