TORONTO — ACTA has issued a statement amid a looming trade war with the United States, strongly condemning President Trump’s sweeping tariffs that will be enacted Tuesday.

Trump, who took office on Jan. 20, 2025, signed executive orders on Feb. 1 to hit Canada with damaging duties of 10% on energy and 25% on everything else.

In response, less than 24 hours later, Ottawa announced 25% tariffs on $30 billion in goods originating in the United States, also taking effect on Tuesday, Feb. 4. In three weeks, Ottawa plans to add another $125 billion in tariffs on many other U.S. goods, including cars, trucks, buses, steel, aluminum and fruits and vegetables.

A federal official also signalled that Canada will pursue available legal remedies in response to the U.S. breaching its international trade commitments.

Following Trump’s announcement, the Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level in more than two decades.

With a possible recession ahead, ACTA issued a statement on Facebook, which reads:

“The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) strongly condemns the sweeping tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian goods.

“While travel agencies and advisors may not be directly targeted, the economic consequences will be severe – higher costs for businesses, weaker consumer confidence and reduced travel spending.

“Canada has long been one of the United States’ closest allies and most reliable trading partners. These tariffs harm not only Canadian businesses but also American consumers and companies that rely on seamless trade with Canada. History has proven that protectionist policies do not strengthen economies; they weaken them.

“We urge the U.S. government to immediately reverse these tariffs on Canada and other key allies. In the meantime, we call on the Canadian government to take decisive action to support travel agencies and travel advisors as they navigate the economic turbulence these policies will create.

“Travel is an essential economic driver, and policies that undermine confidence in our markets threaten the livelihoods of thousands of Canadian travel professionals. The time to act is now.”

With file from The Canadian Press