LAST UPDATE | 4 Feb 2025

US PRESIDENT DONALD Trump’s planned tariffs on Canada have been halted for 30 days after talks between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

However, in China – another target of Trump’s tariffs – announced today that it is implementing counter tariffs against the US on multiple products and taking other trade-related measures, including an investigation into Google. 

Experts have warned that Trump’s tariffs could deeply upset the global economy.

Trump was due to slap 25% tariffs on Canadian imports and a 10% levy on oil but halted the measure after a call during which Trudeau pledged stronger border measures to stop crossings of migrants and illicit drugs.

“I just had a good call with President Trump,” Trudeau said on social media. “Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together.”

Trudeau said Canada would implement a Can$1.3 billion (US$900 million) plan to secure the border. This will see the number of “frontline personnel” fixed at 10,000. Last December, Canadian authorities said they had 8,500 deployed.

The border will be reinforced with new helicopters and other unspecified technology, Trudeau said.

In addition, the prime minister said he “signed a new intelligence directive” to combat organized crime, backed by Can$200 million in new spending, and will launch a joint Canada-US taskforce to stem transnational drug trafficking and money laundering.

He also agreed to Trump’s demand to list drug cartels as terrorists, as well as appoint an official to oversee efforts against the opioid fentanyl.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government is responding implement a 15% tariff on coal and liquified natural gas products, as well as a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery and large-displacement cars.

“The US’s unilateral tariff increase seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization,” a statement said.

“It is not only unhelpful in solving its own problems, but also damages normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the US.”

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said today it is investigating Google on suspicion of violating antitrust laws.