Canada Hits U.S. with Counter-Tariffs on 700 Items, Offers Support Package

Canada has retaliated against U.S. tariffs by imposing its own set of duties on a wide range of American imports. Effective September 8, the new tariffs will range from 15% to 50% on approximately $20 billion worth of U.S. goods, including steel, aluminum, furniture, clothing, cheese, appliances, and seafood.

This move escalates the ongoing trade dispute between the two North American neighbors. The U.S. had previously imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports after trade negotiations broke down. Canada's retaliatory tariffs are designed to target key U.S. industries while minimizing the impact on Canadian consumers and businesses, according to a Canadian official.

In addition to the tariffs, the Canadian government announced a C$7.5 billion (approximately NT$173 billion) support package. This package aims to assist affected domestic workers and industries, including providing aid to small and medium-sized enterprises, offering cash flow financing, and supporting workers who may face unemployment as a result of the trade measures.

Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that the "dollar-for-dollar, tariff-for-tariff" retaliatory measures, combined with the substantial support package, are intended to protect Canadian workers, farmers, households, and businesses. This tit-for-tat tariff exchange marks a new low in bilateral relations.

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Our dollar-for-dollar, tariff-for-tariff retaliation, combined with billions of dollars in support, will protect Canadian workers, farmers, households and businesses.