Trump slaps 50% tariffs on Canada goods on trade discrimination claims
US President Donald Trump is speaking after signing an executive order that will dramatically shrink two national monuments in Utah, paving the way for fossil fuel extraction and mining.
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The United States will impose additional 50 percent tariffs on a range of Canadian products in response to allegations of trade discrimination against multiple U.S. products and industries, senior Trump administration officials said Monday.
President Donald Trump signed three proclamations Monday targeting different products imported from Canada with higher tariffs in response to separate areas where the U.S. says they face discrimination, officials said in a call with reporters.
“By doing this, President Trump is leveling the playing field for major American exports of motor vehicles, alcohol and dairy products,” one official said.
According to officials, tariffs falling under Article 338 of the Tariff Law of 1930 will come into force 30 days after signing.
Each announcement introduced tariffs on different Canadian products “from wine to hockey sticks to cement,” an official involved in the meeting said.
“Canada needs to be held accountable for this ongoing discrimination,” one official said.
Canada’s long-standing status as America’s close ally and trading partner has eroded amid Trump’s tariff-heavy agenda and the nations’ vocal discontent with his tripartite trade deal with Mexico.
The Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment on the new U.S. trade actions.
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