U.S. imposes 50% tariffs on select Canadian imports citing trade discrimination
The Trump administration announced three proclamations that will levy up to 50% duties on various Canadian products, alleging discriminatory treatment of U.S. goods.
The United States announced on Monday that it will apply 50% tariffs to a range of Canadian imports after senior officials said Washington has faced trade discrimination against several American products. President Donald Trump signed three separate proclamations that target different categories of Canadian goods, including motor vehicles, alcohol, dairy, wine, hockey sticks and cement. The measures, invoked under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, will take effect 30 days after the signatures.
"By doing this, President Trump is leveling the playing field for crucial American exports: motor vehicles, alcohol, and dairy," an administration official said.
The officials added that the tariffs are intended to hold Canada accountable for what they describe as continued discriminatory practices, though they clarified that the recent wildfires in northwestern Ontario are not the basis for the new duties. The administration has also signaled that it will not renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and has begun annual reviews of the pact.
The Canadian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Section 338, rarely used since the mid-20th century, grants the president authority to impose duties of up to 50% on goods from countries deemed to be discriminating against the United States.