Canada hits U.S. with tariffs on $29.8B worth of goods after Trump slaps levy on metals

The federal government of Canada has announced a retaliatory plan against the United States, imposing tariffs on $29.8 billion worth of American goods in response to President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc condemned Trump’s actions as “unjustified and unjustifiable” and emphasized the need to protect Canadian industries from unfair targeting by the U.S.

The products targeted by Canada’s tariffs include U.S.-made steel, aluminum, computers, sports equipment, and certain cast iron products, among others. This move comes after Trump imposed tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports from Canada, separate from his previous tariffs aimed at pressuring the country on border security issues.

Canada has already levied tariffs on $30 billion worth of American goods in response to Trump’s initial tariffs, and is now applying a 25 per cent tariff on approximately $60 billion worth of American products. The government is also prepared to implement tariffs on another $100 billion worth of American goods if Trump proceeds with a third round of tariffs on April 2.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly criticized Trump’s claim that Canadian steel and aluminum imports pose a national security threat as a bogus and insulting justification for the tariffs. She urged Americans to speak to their elected officials and send a message to the White House to end the trade war.

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne highlighted the dependence of U.S. factories on Canadian metals, emphasizing the potential impact of the tariffs on the prices of American goods. The last time Trump imposed similar tariffs on Canadian metals, there was a significant drop in Canadian exports, leading to job losses and economic strain.

Canadian officials, including LeBlanc and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, are set to meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington to discuss the tariffs. The goal is to persuade the U.S. to lift all existing tariffs and spare Canada from further economic harm.

Prime minister-designate Mark Carney expressed readiness to engage in talks with Trump but stressed the importance of respecting Canadian sovereignty. He emphasized the need to renew and relaunch the economic and security partnership between Canada and the United States.

In conclusion, Canada’s retaliatory tariffs are a response to what the government views as unfair targeting of Canadian industries by the U.S. The ongoing trade dispute underscores the importance of protecting Canadian interests while seeking a resolution that benefits both countries.