But economic, political and technological changes have left Canada with few ways to handle trade restrictions now.

Canada’s draft plan to retaliate against US tariffs may roll out in stages, with the government preparing to hit all American steel and aluminum products with counter-tariffs if necessary, said an official with knowledge of the matter.

With only hours to go until U.S. president-elect Donald Trump heads back to the Oval Office, Canadian officials say they still don’t know whether he will follow through on his standing threat to level punishing tariffs on Canadian goods.