Trump imposes new 50% tariffs on Canadian imports

The U.S. have announced a new 50 per cent tariff on a broad range of Canadian imports, stepping up a trade dispute with one of the U.S. largest trading partners.

According to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the tariffs would apply to about 20 billion dollars in imports from Canada, including products such as hockey sticks, wine and cement.

The tariffs will take effect on August 19, 30 days after U.S. President Donald Trump signs the proclamation.

The White House said the move was a response to what it called Canada’s “discriminatory, unequal, and unreasonable tariff scheme” and was intended to improve conditions for exports of U.S.-made automobiles.

The tariffs marked the latest escalation in a long-running trade dispute between the two neighbours.

Trump has repeatedly accused Canada, along with other trading partners, of maintaining unfair trade relationships with the United States and has made tariffs a central part of his second-term trade agenda.

Canada, meanwhile, said the tariffs violate the countries’ free trade agreement.

The announcement came after the U.S. Supreme Court barred Trump from using emergency powers to impose broad tariffs on imports from many countries, forcing his administration to pursue alternative legal avenues.

Trump has also previously threatened tariffs that were ultimately not implemented.

Reacting to the announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement on X that Canada “stands ready to engage intensively to address outstanding issues with the U.S. to the mutual benefit of our citizens.’’

He added that Canada would take the necessary steps to build its strength at home.

Earlier, Trump threatened Canada with higher tariffs over smoke from wildfires that drifted into the north-eastern United States.

He said the air pollution had imposed costs on the country that should be added to existing tariffs on Canadian imports.
dpa/NAN