In the run up to the election Trump, who described tariffs as "the most beautiful word in the dictionary," vowed hikes as high as 60 percent on Chinese goods, saying this would not only protect domestic industries but serve as critical tax revenue. Economists have pointed out such a move would raise costs for American consumers.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says the government’s goal is to avoid U.S. President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs while not saying publicly what the plan is if they are imposed.