US President Donald Trump has signed an order imposing a 50% tariff on a broad range of goods imported from Canada, citing what he described as unequal treatment of US cars, dairy and alcohol. The duties take effect on 19 August and represent a notable escalation in cross-border trade tensions. The White House said the tariffs are intended to protect American businesses and workers.
The tariff coverage spans items from everyday consumer goods such as wine and hockey sticks to heavier industrial products like commercial cement. Some exports are spared, including energy, potash, critical minerals and fish, according to the administration. The new duties add to existing barriers already in place, with the United States maintaining tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and copper ranging from 15% to 50%, and a 35% tariff on Canadian softwood lumber, plus a 25% tax on non-US parts in cars. Canada responds with its own 25% counter-tariff on selected American steel, aluminum and vehicles. The move follows President Trump’s prior warnings about tariffs connected to Canadian wildfire smoke drifting into US cities.
