Canada has announced the introduction of retaliatory tariffs on goods from the United States. The measures will affect products worth about 20 billion dollars and will take effect on 8 September.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized that Canada is acting "dollar for dollar and rate for rate." Tariffs of 15, 25, and 50 percent will apply to approximately 700 items of American goods.
Particularly noticeable is the increase to 50 percent on steel and aluminum — double the previous level. Furniture, clothing, household appliances, dairy products, fish, and seafood will also be affected.
The decision is a direct response to the new 50-percent U.S. duties on Canadian goods, which took effect on 22 August after trade talks broke down.
Prime Minister Mark Carney previously accused Washington of trying to subjugate Canada and strike at key industries — automotive, steel, and aluminum. Donald Trump, in turn, demanded that Canadian leaders "fall in line."
The Ottawa government simultaneously announced a support package for businesses and workers of 7,5 billion Canadian dollars. These funds will help companies cope with the consequences of the escalation.
The list of goods was chosen to correspond as closely as possible to the items on which the United States imposed duties. The goal is to protect Canadian producers and maintain balance in trade.
Will such a mirror response ease tensions or only fuel a further round of the trade war?
Analysts note that mutual tariffs are already affecting supply chains in border states and provinces. Both sides emphasize readiness for negotiations, but so far no compromise has been found.
