OTTAWA — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on August 22 (local time) that Canada will impose tariffs on imports from the United States across multiple sectors, effective September 8, in response to Washington's newly introduced trade measures.
The retaliatory tariffs will cover steel, dairy products, household appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics, as well as goods affected by US Section 232 and Section 338 actions, Carney said. A detailed product list will be released at a later date. The Prime Minister stressed that Canada would take reciprocal action to safeguard the interests of its workers, farmers, families and businesses, and could not accept the terms put forward by the US during trade negotiations.
The move follows the breakdown of last-ditch trade talks between the two neighbours. Washington subsequently imposed a 50 per cent tariff on roughly CAD 20 billion worth of Canadian goods. Carney had earlier suspended negotiations with the US and recalled his negotiating team, accusing Washington of tabling unfair and economically unjustified last-minute clauses that undermined Canadian sovereignty and industrial interests.
Carney reiterated that Canada remains committed to free trade but would not do so at the expense of its own interests. The countermeasures are intended to push back against unilateral protectionism, and the government will roll out supporting policies to assist domestic businesses affected by the trade disruption. Industry analysts note that the escalation marks a further deterioration of trade tensions across North America and could put sustained pressure on regional supply chain stability and cross-border commerce costs.