Canada enacts tariffs on nearly 700 U.S. products
Ottawa activated duties of 15–50% on about 700 American items and says the move equals U.S. measures from August 22.
Canada has put into effect new tariffs on a wide range of American goods in response to U.S. duties imposed late in August. The measures cover nearly 700 U.S. products with rates ranging from 15% to 50% and target items such as steel and aluminium as well as farm machinery and household goods.
Ottawa says the total value matches the dollar equivalent of U.S. duties of 50% introduced on August 22.
"These measures are necessary to protect our workers and businesses," said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Carney also pledged that his government will support workers affected by the ongoing trade dispute with the United States "as long as necessary." He warned that inactivity would carry a much higher cost and added that "the future of Canada will not be decided in Washington."
Dollar-for-dollar retaliation after talks failed
Canada promised a dollar-for-dollar response after intensive negotiations between the two countries failed to produce a trade deal. The move is intended as a proportionate countermeasure to the U.S. duties.
The U.S. tariffs that took effect on August 22 covered a variety of Canadian exports, including wine, furniture, dairy products, cement, clothing, fishing rods and hockey equipment, and relate to about 20 billion Canadian dollars of exports to the United States.
Ottawa says it has the tools to shield affected businesses and will provide targeted help to workers and communities hit by the measures as needed.
Photo: press material from the event
