Washington: The trade war between the United States and Canada has intensified after Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on around US$20 billion worth of American goods on Tuesday.
The move comes after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canadian cars and trucks, following the breakdown of trade negotiations between the two countries.
Canada’s new tariffs cover a wide range of American products, including steel, dairy products, household appliances and agricultural equipment. The measures also extend to everyday consumer goods such as seafood, cheese, clothing, cosmetics and toilet paper, with tariffs on some products reportedly reaching 50%.
The escalating dispute threatens one of the world’s largest bilateral trading relationships and could put further pressure on businesses and consumers in both countries.
Canada accuses US of trying to damage key industries
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accused Washington of attempting to pressure Canada and said the failed negotiations had demonstrated that the US wanted to damage some of Canada’s key industries.
Canada’s response follows the Trump administration’s decision at the weekend to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian goods after trade talks collapsed.
The latest measures mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two neighbouring countries, with both sides now imposing increasingly broad tariffs on each other’s products.
