President Donald Trump has ordered a major Canada tariff increase, putting a 50% duty on a wide range of goods imported from Canada. The move is set to take effect on 19 August and marks a sharp escalation in trade tensions between the two North American neighbors.
The White House said the Canada tariff was needed to protect American businesses. Trump said the action was a response to what he described as unequal treatment of U.S. cars, dairy and alcohol. The order covers a broad list of imported products, showing the dispute is not limited to one industry.
Items affected include everyday consumer goods such as wine and hockey sticks, along with industrial products including commercial cement. At the same time, the administration said several important Canadian exports will not face the new duties, including energy, potash, critical minerals and fish.
