WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump on Monday imposed 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, escalating trade tensions with one of America’s closest economic partners.
Trump said the move was aimed at Canada’s treatment of American cars, alcohol and dairy products, accusing Ottawa of unfairly discriminating against United States exports.
The White House said the tariffs would take effect in 30 days, leaving a window for negotiations before the import duties are enforced.
The measure could trigger fresh economic uncertainty, with businesses warning of higher costs, supply-chain pressure and possible inflation risks. The decision also threatens to further strain relations between Washington and Ottawa, which have long maintained deeply integrated trade ties.
A senior administration official, speaking anonymously to reporters, said Canada was being targeted partly because it had retaliated against Trump’s earlier tariff measures. The official said the president signed three proclamations under Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act to authorise the new duties.
The tariffs will exclude energy products, potash, fish and critical minerals. However, they will apply to several goods that had previously been protected under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
That 2020 trade pact was not renewed by the United States, opening the door to a new round of negotiations that could extend for years.
The White House defended the move as a step to protect American industries, while critics warned it could destabilise trade and increase costs for consumers.
The announcement marks another major shift in Trump’s aggressive tariff policy.
