White House Sets 50% Tariffs on Select Canadian Goods

The White House announced 50% tariffs on Canadian wine, hockey sticks and cement, set to take effect in 30 days. Energy, potash, critical minerals and fish remain exempt from the duties. The tariffs were issued through three proclamations covering cars, dairy and alcohol.

The car proclamation cited a Canadian tax on U.S. motor vehicles and parts not covered by the USMCA. The dairy proclamation pointed to Canadian protectionist measures on cheese. The alcohol proclamation referenced the boycott of U.S. drinks by most Canadian provinces.

Carney said he had spoken with the U.S. president and both sides agreed to intensify trade talks. He added that Canada will keep all options available in response. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Canada should respond tariff for tariff and dollar for dollar if the duties take effect.

““Country is stronger, stronger because we are united, and we will remain united.”

The announcement follows an earlier threat to impose tariffs over Canadian wildfire smoke, though that issue was not listed as justification for the current duties.

The Supreme Court earlier this year struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The White House has since used other legal avenues, including Section 301, for new duties. A White House fact sheet said the new tariffs apply regardless of whether the goods fall under the USMCA.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the move the latest in a series of unilateral U.S. actions that began with tariffs imposed in direct violation of the agreement.