The United States has announced a new wave of 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian products. The measures, expected to take effect on August 19, also affect several goods covered by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and mark the latest escalation in the trade dispute between the two countries.
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The White House said the list of products subject to the new tariffs includes alcoholic beverages, dairy products, lumber and wood products, plywood, cement, clothing, sporting equipment, video game consoles and other consumer goods.
US President Donald Trump presented the decision as a response to what his administration describes as Canada’s unfair trade practices. Among them, he cited the removal of American alcoholic beverages from sale in most Canadian provinces, the supply management system in the dairy sector, as well as vehicle-related quotas and tariffs.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said: “Canada needs us to survive. Without us, there is no way they can survive.” He also clarified that the issue of smoke from wildfires crossing the border is being addressed separately.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney opposed the measure, saying it constitutes a violation of CUSMA. According to Carney, following a phone call with Trump, the two leaders agreed to intensify negotiations in the coming weeks.
Carney stressed that his government would continue to prioritize strengthening the Canadian economy. It aims to achieve this by supporting domestic producers, encouraging the purchase of products made in Canada and expanding trade cooperation with other countries.
In British Columbia, Premier David Eby ruled out returning American alcoholic beverages to store shelves in the province, saying there was “no chance” of such a move. He described the Trump administration’s position as “increasingly desperate and unstable.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also issued a strong response. He said Canada would not back down in the face of pressure from the United States and expressed support for retaliatory measures if the tariffs are implemented.
According to economists’ estimates, the tariffs could affect around 28 billion Canadian dollars’ worth of Canadian exports, a figure representing approximately 5% of its total exports to the United States. The effects are expected to be felt more strongly in specific sectors, particularly the lumber and manufacturing industries, than in the Canadian economy overall.
