Trump imposes additional 50% tariffs on selected Canadian imports

US President Donald Trump has signed three proclamations imposing additional 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports, citing what the White House described as discriminatory treatment of American products by Canada.

“The President is offsetting the burden and disadvantage on U.S. commerce from Canada’s discriminatory treatment of U.S. commerce and is leveling the playing field for crucial American exports—cars, alcohol, and dairy,” the White House said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports. 

The tariffs, introduced under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, apply to different categories of Canadian goods, including products ranging from wine and other alcoholic beverages to hockey sticks and cement.

The measures will apply to all covered goods, including those that qualify for preferential treatment under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The tariffs will not apply to energy, potash, products already subject to tariffs under Section 232, or certain other goods, including fish and critical minerals.

The new duties are set to take effect 30 days after the proclamations were signed. According to documents published by the White House, the measures are intended to secure more favourable terms for US exports of alcoholic beverages, dairy products and vehicle engines to Canada.

By Sabina Mammadli