Canada will impose symmetrical retaliatory tariffs on US imports on a “dollar‑for‑dollar” basis starting September 8 (the Tuesday after Labor Day), Prime Minister Mark Carney declared. The move follows a breakdown in bilateral talks and Washington’s imposition of 50% duties on a wide range of Canadian products worth $20 billion.
Ottawa’s countermeasures will target shipments of steel, dairy products, household appliances, agricultural equipment, electronics, and pulp‑and‑paper goods. Mark Carney said Canada had been prepared to lift existing restrictions on steel, aluminum, and vehicles and to help provinces return US alcohol products to store shelves provided that Washington slashes its tariffs. At the last minute, the White House changed the terms of the deal, he said, demanding “too much for minimal concessions.” The prime minister called those demands economically unviable and unfair and recalled the negotiating team to Ottawa.
US Trade Representative Jameson Greer said that Ottawa refused to approve the deal on the previously agreed terms and that no further rounds of talks are currently scheduled. According to the US administration, the White House intends to forge ahead with a protectionist course to safeguard domestic jobs and domestic supply chains.
