The announcement came after trade talks collapsed and 50% US duties went into effect Aug. 22 on 5% of imports from Canada. Trump has threatened higher rates on cars and car parts starting Jan. 1.
Trump vows to double Canada auto tariffs to 50%, escalating trade war
President Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post that he’s doubling tariffs on imported automobiles and auto parts from Canada to 50%.
WASHINGTON − Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion worth of U.S. imports, aiming to match President Donald Trump’s tariffs “dollar for dollar.”
The action marks an escalation in the growing trade war between the two countries, after talks collapsed last week and Trump imposed 50% tariffs Aug. 22 on about 5% of Canadian imports. The Canadian duties take effect Sept. 8 and range from 15% to 50% on 700 products.
“Our dollar-for-dollar, rate-for-rate counter-tariffs as well as a multibillion-dollar support package will protect workers, farmers, families, and businesses,” Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said.
The 50% tariffs apply to steel, aluminum, furniture and clothing. The 25% tariffs are on cheese, appliances and some seafood. The 15% tariffs will be on electronics and tools.
“Canada has what the world wants, and we will not allow any nation to determine our future,” said Patty Hajdu, Canada’s minister of jobs and family. “We will always stand up for Canadian workers and businesses. We are strong because we take care of each other and that is why we will always be masters of our own destiny.”
Trump also announced Aug. 24 that he would double tariffs to 50% on automobiles and auto parts imported from Canada. He also threatened to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America as part of the spat.
Tariffs always sound like punishment but who actually pays?
So Canada is putting tariffs on our stuff, and Trump’s out here threatening car parts too. Sounds like regular people are gonna get hit twice. Also “Lake America”?? like that’s gonna help anyone.
I don’t even get the timing… Aug 22 already happened and now Sept 8? Meanwhile Trump says Jan 1 for cars so it’s just gonna keep stacking. If Canada retaliates “dollar for dollar” doesn’t that mean the US economy just eats it while they act tough? Maybe I’m wrong but it feels like a lose-lose.
They’re taxing cheese and electronics and furniture and calling it protecting workers lol. Like my cousin works at a factory and prices go up, that’s not “protecting.” And 700 products?? that’s so broad it’s basically everything. This is why trade wars are dumb, and the Lake Ontario renaming is just theater.