There are two possible reactions to tariffs that you think will put political pressure on you.

One is to retaliate. You only do this if you think you might win the trade war. Canada retaliated, and Canada thinks it might win the trade war.

The other is to roll over. You only do this if you don't think you'll win the trade war. That's what Columbia did.

Retaliation is a sign that the attack was strong, yes, but it's also a sign that the defence is strong.