Canada to hit US goods with retaliatory tariffs from September 8

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Saturday that his government would proceed with the retaliatory measures targeting a broad range of US products including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics. The specific items subject to tariffs will be detailed in the coming days, Carney said while speaking in Ottawa.

The announcement marks a significant escalation in the trade dispute between the two neighbours. Washington's 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods prompted Ottawa to prepare countermeasures, though negotiations had continued until late Friday in hopes of resolving the conflict.

Carney disclosed that Canada had signalled willingness to eliminate its own retaliatory tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles if the United States substantially reduced its duties. Ottawa had also offered to encourage provinces to restore sales of American alcohol products. However, Carney said Washington's final negotiating position was unacceptable. "They asked too much and offered too little," he said.

The deepening tariff dispute threatens to disrupt trade between two of North America's largest trading partners, with implications for businesses and consumers across both countries.