Trump announces 50% tariffs on select Canadian imports

President Donald Trump signed three proclamations invoking Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act, which allows the president to levy duties of up to 50% on imports from countries deemed to discriminate against U.S. products. The measures target roughly $20 billion in Canadian imports, including electric equipment such as refrigeration units and various types of machinery, and will become effective after a 30-day notice period.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded on the social platform X, urging Canada to match any U.S. tariffs "tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar." He has previously advocated for stronger retaliation against U.S. trade actions.

A senior administration official told reporters that the new tariffs are unrelated to recent concerns about wildfire smoke crossing the border and that the president has other options to address that issue. The official said the levies are intended to counter what the administration views as discrimination against American automobiles, alcohol and dairy products.

The tariffs exclude several categories, such as energy products, critical minerals, fish, automobiles and metals, which are covered by existing industry-specific duties. Unlike earlier measures, the current round does not provide carve-outs for goods covered by the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which remains under negotiation.

"If these tariffs proceed, Canada should respond tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar," Premier Ford said.

"The president has other options on that," the senior administration official added.