Canada enacted retaliatory tariffs on about US$20 billion of U.S. imports, effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday under an order in council, matching Washington dollar for dollar and rate for rate in response to President Trump’s recent duties. The duties hit hundreds of American products, including dairy and cheese, milk, perfume and cosmetics, golf clubs and other sporting goods, appliances, clothing, farm equipment, and steel and aluminum, at rates reported as 15 percent, 25 percent or 50 percent. Finance Minister Mark Carney said Canada will “stand up for what’s in the best interest of Canada,” accused the U.S. of shifting its red lines, and left the door open to negotiate a broader trade deal when the United States is ready. Former prime minister Jean Chrétien told CBC that Canada made the right move and warned expanding countermeasures should not be off the table. U.S. officials warned against retaliation, and analysts noted the Canadian measures target products important to U.S. swing states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, raising the political stakes ahead. News outlets and commentators warned the move risks further escalation, with Canadian industries and travelers already reporting economic strains and provincial politics, including the Quebec election, expected to be affected.
