President Donald J. Trump signed three Proclamations on July 20 to impose additional 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods, citing Canada’s discriminatory treatment of American products.
According to the White House, the action was taken pursuant to Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and is intended to offset what the administration describes as a burden and disadvantage placed on U.S. commerce by Canada’s policies. The new tariffs target key American exports including cars, alcohol, and dairy products.
The White House said President Trump is acting to hold Canada accountable for what it called continued discrimination against and unreasonable treatment of U.S. commerce that has negatively affected American workers. “By doing so, President Trump is offsetting the burden and disadvantage on U.S. commerce from Canada’s discriminatory treatment of U.S. commerce and is leveling the playing field for crucial American exports—cars, alcohol, and dairy,” according to an official statement.
The administration said these measures are part of ongoing efforts to secure better outcomes for American workers, farmers, and businesses through reciprocal trade arrangements. “President Trump is delivering on his promise to secure better outcomes for American workers, farmers, and businesses by using tariffs to restore reciprocity to trade and strengthen our national security,” the statement read.
No details were provided regarding which specific Canadian goods would be affected beyond those sectors mentioned.