B1 Intermediate · 262 words · 2 min read

Canada Targets C$28bn of US Goods With Tariffs of Up to 50%

Ottawa says its response to Washington's latest levies is "proportionate" and will begin on 8 September

Canada has announced counter-tariffs of as high as 50% on a range of US goods, in response to the latest levies imposed on Canadian imports by President Donald Trump last weekend. The Canadian measures will apply to nearly C$28bn ($20bn; £15bn) worth of American products and come into effect on 8 September.

The targeted goods range from steel to furniture, fresh tuna and cotton T-shirts. A 50% tariff will be placed on steel and aluminium products, honey, clothing, makeup and perfume. Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, dairy products, fish and seafood face a 25% tariff, while certain tools and machinery, including forklifts, face 15%. The list was designed to match the Canadian goods hit by the US.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the American tariffs "will have real consequences for Canadian workers, businesses and communities across our nation". He added: "Canada must respond." He described the response as "proportionate" and "strategic", and said an additional C$7.5bn would be offered to support programmes for affected businesses and workers.

Trade talks between the two countries collapsed late last week, with each side accusing the other of making unreasonable last-minute demands. The White House said it had been prepared to offer Canada "the most preferential market access of any country on Earth". Trump accused Canada of "ripping off" the US for decades and threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian cars to 50% from 1 January.

Prime Minister Mark Carney accused Trump of wanting to "destroy" Canadian industries. Canadian officials said they had chosen products that consumers and businesses at home could buy elsewhere.

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