Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on a wide range of U.S. goods in response to the latest round of import duties imposed by President Donald Trump, according to the BBC.
The Canadian tariffs will target nearly C$28 billion ($20 billion) worth of American products, including steel, furniture, fresh tuna and cotton T-shirts, Canadian officials announced Tuesday.
The measures are designed to mirror the products targeted by the United States and will take effect on September 8.
The announcement marks the latest escalation in the growing trade dispute between Washington and Ottawa after trade negotiations broke down late last week. Both sides have accused the other of making unreasonable last-minute demands that prevented an agreement.
Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the retaliatory measures were necessary in response to the 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on a range of Canadian goods after talks collapsed on Friday.
“These tariffs will have real consequences for Canadian workers, businesses and communities across our country,” Champagne said. “Canada must respond.”
He described the Canadian measures as both “proportionate” and “strategic,” stressing that Ottawa’s objective was to defend Canadian economic interests while responding directly to U.S. trade restrictions.
The Canadian government also announced an additional C$7.5 billion in support programs for workers and businesses affected by the U.S. tariffs.
The funds are intended to help limit job losses, support companies facing higher trade costs and provide assistance to industries affected by the escalating dispute.
The new measures further deepen tensions between two of North America’s largest trading partners, with businesses on both sides facing increased uncertainty over the future of cross-border trade.
