The Donald Trump administration has imposed a 50% tariff on more than 550 Canadian products, with the new duties taking effect Saturday and expected to affect about $20 billion worth of goods.
The list includes honey, flowers, seeds, alcohol, furniture, kitchenware, paints, plywood, sports equipment, cosmetics, clothing, toys, Christmas decorations, digital cameras, smartphones, video game consoles and paper products.
The tariffs cover roughly 5% of the $381.92 billion in goods Canada exported to the US last year. Since importers pay tariffs and often pass costs to consumers, prices could rise across multiple sectors, including household goods and home construction.
Trump invoked Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, a Great Depression-era provision that has never previously been used and allows tariffs of up to 50% against countries accused of discriminating against US businesses. Trump has cited Canadian barriers affecting US autos, alcohol and dairy.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa will introduce dollar-for-dollar retaliation from September 8, targeting US steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that Canada could consider cutting electricity and critical-mineral supplies if tensions worsen, while suggesting oil and potash could also be used as leverage.
Trump has separately threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, auto parts and steel to 50% from January 1, 2027.
Canada currently faces a 25% auto tariff and a 50% steel tariff. Carney warned the proposed auto measures could undermine Canadian production and hurt US workers dependent on Canadian demand.
