President Donald Trump announced 50 percent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods on Monday. The duties are set to take effect in 30 days and target more than 500 products.
The White House said the tariffs respond to Canadian duties on American cars, dairy products, and alcohol. Trump told reporters that Canada has been very tough on the United States over the years.
The measures draw on Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act and exclude energy products, potash, fish, and critical minerals. Many targeted goods had been protected under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which the administration decided not to renew earlier this month.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the tariffs a violation of the trade pact yet said the two leaders had agreed to intensify negotiations. Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged a dollar-for-dollar response if the tariffs proceed.
Trump denied over the weekend that the duties relate to Canadian wildfires, though he had threatened tariffs over air quality issues.