Trump Announces 50 Per Cent Tariffs on Canadian Goods as Carney Vows Canada Will Defend Workers

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced new 50 per cent tariffs on a range of Canadian imports, prompting a sharp response from Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said Canada would continue defending its workers, businesses and economy.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed three proclamations Monday, imposing additional tariffs on certain Canadian goods. The measures are scheduled to take effect 30 days after signing and will apply to covered products regardless of whether they qualify under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The tariffs will cover a wide range of Canadian exports, including products such as wine, hockey sticks and cement. The U.S. administration said the measures are intended to address what it described as “discriminatory treatment” of American goods by Canada.

“President Trump is offsetting the burden and disadvantage on U.S. commerce from Canada’s discriminatory treatment of U.S. commerce and is levelling the playing field for crucial American exports,” the White House said in a statement.

The tariffs will not apply to certain goods, including energy, potash, products already subject to tariffs, fish and critical minerals.

The U.S. administration pointed to several trade disputes as justification for the move, including Canadian restrictions on American vehicles, alcohol and dairy products.

According to the White House, U.S. vehicle exports to Canada declined by approximately 22 per cent between April 2025 and March 2026, compared with the previous year, while imports of American alcoholic beverages dropped by about 81 per cent during the same period.

The United States also criticized Canada’s dairy quota system, claiming restrictions on U.S. cheese imports were more restrictive than those applied to similar products from the European Union.

Prime Minister Mark Carney responded Monday, calling the tariff announcement the latest in a series of unilateral trade actions by the United States.

“Today, the United States administration announced its intention to impose a new 50% tariff on a significant number of Canadian goods,” Carney said in a statement.

“These include tariffs on the Canadian auto sector, in violation of CUSMA. Canada, as is its right, has merely matched those measures.”

Carney said Canada has made several proposals aimed at resolving trade disputes and modernizing the existing trade agreement, adding that Ottawa is prepared to continue negotiations.

“Canada believes in the benefits of free and fair trade,” he said. “This trade dispute has raised costs for families, particularly in the U.S. Canada stands ready to engage intensively to address outstanding issues with the U.S. to the mutual benefit of our citizens.”

The prime minister said Canada would continue taking measures to support Canadian workers, farmers, businesses and families.

The announcement adds further uncertainty to the Canada-U.S. trade relationship, with both countries facing increased pressure to resolve outstanding disputes before the next phase of CUSMA discussions.