Trump hits Canada with 50 per cent tariffs on some products

Trump hits Canada with 50 per cent tariffs on some products

Canada appears set to be hit with more tariffs by the Trump administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday afternoon that he had signed three executive orders imposing additional tariffs of up to 50 per cent for what he believed were "discriminatory" duties imposed by Canada.

One was in response to Canadian tariffs on American auto parts and vehicles.

"I find as a fact that Canada is discriminating against the commerce of the United States through Canada’s motor vehicle tariff scheme," read the text of the executive order provided by the White House. "I also find as a fact that this discrimination places the commerce of the United States at a disadvantage compared to the commerce of other countries. And I find as fact, that Canada’s imposition is unreasonable, is not equally enforced upon the like articles of every foreign country, and places a burden on the commerce of the United States."

A second order was in response to efforts by the majority of Canadian provinces, including Ontario, to refuse to stock shelves with American-made alcohol and liquor until tariffs against Canada were removed.

The third order dealt with quotas on U.S. dairy products.

Trump cited Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930, which, according to the orders, allows the president to impose tariffs on goods believed to be discriminatory against American commerce.

The U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year struck down most tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, including those against Canada, Mexico, and China, saying that Trump did not have the authority to do so without consulting Congress.

The new tariffs are expected to take effect on August 19.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has already vowed retaliation.

"I’ll never stop fighting to protect Ontario," Ford posted on X late Monday afternoon. "If these tariffs proceed, Canada should respond tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar."

In a statement Monday evening, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canadians are ready to work with their American neighbours.

"Canada believes in the benefits of free and fair trade, as evidenced by our new government signing more than 20 new economic and security partnerships," said Carney. "This trade dispute has raised costs for families, particularly in the U.S. Canada stands ready to engage intensively to address outstanding issues with the U.S. to the mutual benefit of our citizens."

Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre blamed the Liberal government for what he perceived was a lack of progress in resolving the issue.

"Fourteen months ago, Prime Minister Mark Carney described the breakdown in our relationship with the United States as the worst economic crisis since the Second World War," said Poilievre in a statement. "He was right. Canada is in a major crisis, and despite making promises to Canadians to secure a deal, the Liberals are failing to meet the moment with the urgency it deserves. Liberals have failed to explain anything to Canadians, obscuring transparency and relying on ad hominem attacks on the Opposition."