Canada to Impose Retaliatory Tariffs on US from September 8
Evan Semones
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs against the US, effective September 8, after Washington imposed 50% duties on nearly $20 billion of Canadian goods. The move follows failed trade talks, with Carney accusing the US of demanding too much and conceding too little.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on August 23 pledged 'dollar-for-dollar' retaliatory tariffs against the US, just hours after Washington formally imposed 50% duties on nearly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. Speaking to the public, Carney said the countermeasures would take effect on September 8, targeting US imports such as steel, dairy products, home appliances, agricultural equipment, paper, and electronics.
“We have taken every opportunity to reach an agreement that protects Canadian workers and their families, strengthens the economy, and respects Canadian sovereignty. We take this step reluctantly,” Carney said.
The new tariffs were first announced by US President Donald Trump on July 20, amid escalating trade tensions between the two countries over several months. Trump accused Canada of having “discriminatory” trade policies. Negotiators from both sides had previously reached a deal to postpone implementation, but marathon talks over the three days leading up to the deadline failed to yield results. The tariff adjustment deadline expired at midnight Eastern Time (04:00 GMT).
According to Carney, Canada walked away from the negotiating table because the US “demanded too much and conceded too little.” He accused the US of presenting last-minute terms that disadvantaged Canada and undermined the net benefits of any deal. Specifically, the US sought to restrict Canada's ability to sign new trade agreements and proposed changes related to auto imports.
“The US made late-hour efforts to limit our ability to have other trade agreements. We are the partner of choice for many countries around the world, and the Americans want to restrict that. It's unacceptable,” the Canadian Prime Minister emphasized.
Carney also criticized the US for constantly shifting justifications for tariffs, noting that Trump had cited issues such as drug trafficking, television advertising, and wildfire smoke to raise import duties on Canadian goods. Since taking office in 2025, Carney has had multiple disagreements with Trump, who began his second term at the White House the same year.
Meanwhile, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said there were no plans for further negotiations with Canada, adding that the US would “take measures” in response to Canadian tariffs. “They always had the best deal, and they will still have a better deal, but they don't want it,” Greer said.
Prime Minister Carney expressed that Canada would continue to strengthen trade relations with other countries. “We cannot control the storm blowing from Washington. However, we can chart a new course by building a strong Canada and diversifying our trade relations abroad.” When asked about his serious tone, Carney replied: “You are at war when you are attacked. We have been attacked.”
