Canada announced Tuesday that it will impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods beginning September 8, responding to 50% U.S. tariffs that took effect over the weekend.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu and other officials detailed the measures during a news conference in Ottawa. The Canadian tariffs are intended to match the U.S. levies “dollar for dollar” and will target American steel, dairy products, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, electronics and other goods.
The move follows the collapse of trade talks Friday night. The U.S. tariffs, covering roughly $20 billion to $28 billion in Canadian exports, including wine, dairy, cement, clothing and hockey equipment, took effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on August 22 after negotiations failed to produce an agreement. Prime Minister Mark Carney had signaled Canada’s response Saturday, calling the U.S. measures “unfair” and “uneconomic.”
Canadian officials also announced support measures to help businesses maintain liquidity and assist workers affected by the escalating trade dispute, emphasizing a coordinated “Team Canada” response with the provinces and territories. The Canadian counter-tariffs will take effect September 8.
The measures are separate from President Trump’s additional tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel, which he announced Monday and said will take effect January 1, 2027.
