Front Burner

The tariff trade war escalates

Donald Trump has slapped enormous tariffs on Canada. Canada has hit back with its own. What happens now? What are the offramps, and how long could this all last?
Justin Trudeau stands at a podium.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is seen during a news conference, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

After months of back-and-forth, will-he-or-won't-he, it's officially on: U.S. President Donald Trump has slapped 25% tariffs on most Canadian goods, and 10% on Canadian energy. Canada has hit back with tariffs of its own — which Trump says will cause further retaliation.

CBC Washington correspondent Alexander Panetta joins us for a look at what happens now. Will measures from the federal government, or any of Canada's premiers, make any difference? What are the offramps? And how long could this all last?

For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

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