---
title: "Canada to speak to partners in a bid to fend off US tariffs, says minister"
description: "OTTAWA, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Monday she would soon be talking to counterparts in allied nations in a bid to fend off tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to impose."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-27-canada-to-speak-to-partners-in-a-bid-to-fend-off-us-tariffs-says-minister/"
published: "2025-01-27T21:21:20"
updated: "2025-01-27T21:21:21"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 148
---

# Canada to speak to partners in a bid to fend off US tariffs, says minister

> OTTAWA, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Monday she would soon be talking to counterparts in allied nations in a bid to fend off tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to impose.

By Reuters · Published 27 January 2025, 23:21 SAST · Updated 27 January 2025, 23:21 SAST

## Key points
- As Canada gears up for a diplomatic dance with Britain and the EU over Trump's tariff tango, Foreign Minister Joly promises to bring her best countermeasures to the Washington stage—because when it comes to trade wars, it’s all about who leads the cha-cha.
- Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly plans discussions with UK, Mexico, and EU foreign ministers regarding U.S. tariffs.
- Joly emphasizes the need for pragmatism in addressing potential trade retaliations amid ongoing U.S.-Canada tensions.
- President Trump threatens to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports unless Canada enhances border security measures.
- Joly is set to meet with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to discuss Canada's countermeasures.

## Content

Joly told reporters she would speak to the foreign ministers of Britain, Mexico and some members of the 27-nation European Union.

"We have to be extremely pragmatic when it comes to working with the Europeans and also with Britain on this. President Trump has referred to using tariffs against the world," Joly said after a meeting of a cabinet committee on U.S. relations.

"In many European capitals ... the conversation is ongoing on how to deal in terms of retaliation and what could be different responses to tariffs."

Trump says he is [ready](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL2N3OG0GO&linkedFromStory=true) to impose 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada unless Ottawa clamps down on border security.

Joly, who reiterated that Canada would respond with countermeasures in case of tariffs, said she would be in Washington this week for talks with officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

(Reporting by David Ljunggrenl Editing by Aurora Ellis)