The United States has announced sweeping new 50 per cent tariffs on a broad range of Canadian products, including hockey sticks, wine and cement, in a major escalation of trade tensions between the two countries.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed the orders on Monday, with the tariffs set to take effect in 30 days. The White House said the move is a response to provincial bans on American liquor, Canada’s supply-managed dairy system and quotas affecting certain U.S. vehicle imports.
Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the decision, calling it another unilateral U.S. trade action that violates the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He said Canada will continue working with provinces and territories to defend Canadian workers, businesses and industries while pursuing negotiations to modernize the trade pact.
The new tariffs will not apply to energy, potash, critical minerals or products already covered under existing U.S. sectoral tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Ottawa to respond “tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar,” while the Conservative Party criticized the Liberal government for failing to secure a trade agreement with Washington.
Business groups on both sides of the border warned the escalating dispute could harm industries and urged Canada and the United States to use the 30-day window before the tariffs take effect to reach a negotiated solution.
