U.S. President Donald Trump has slapped 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian imports, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to announce reciprocal tariffs at the same rate. The move escalates a trade dispute that had been simmering for months and threatens to disrupt cross‑border supply chains.
The tariffs cover about 5% of Canada’s annual U.S. shipments, targeting products such as wine, dairy, cement, clothing, hockey equipment, steel, aluminium, autos and lumber. They were triggered after negotiations collapsed on Friday night; the U.S. gave a 30‑day window before the levies took effect Saturday, with trade representative Jamieson Greer defending the action.
Both governments warn the duties will hit key sectors and deepen the trade war, raising doubts about the durability of the North American trade pact that links the United States, Canada and Mexico. Canadian officials say the measures will strain businesses and workers, while public anger has spurred a petition demanding the removal of the U.S. ambassador.
The three reports differ on the tariffed value: one cites $20 billion, while another lists $27.9 billion of Canadian goods, reflecting inconsistent estimates of the affected trade volume.