Canada vows to “intensify” talks after US slaps new import taxes

Neena Mae Rayos, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
July 21, 2026

(Photo Courtesy: Evan Vucci | IG)

WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump has announced a new 50% tariff on a wide variety of Canadian goods, marking a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two neighbors.

The taxes target everyday consumer items like wine and hockey sticks, as well as industrial products such as cement, but exports such as energy, fish, and critical minerals will not be affected.

According to the White House, the tariffs will take effect in 30 days, citing it as a response to what Trump calls “unequal treatment” regarding US cars, dairy products, and alcohol.

Although Trump had previously threatened tariffs over Canadian wildfire smoke, the official orders focus solely on these trade disputes, which have been worsened by the US refusal to renew the North American free trade deal (USMCA) in its current form.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to “intensify” trade talks, calling the move a threat to Canadian sovereignty and a violation of existing trade agreements.

Business leaders from both sides have expressed concern, with some warning that this decision raises the risk of further retaliation and urging officials to reach a solution before the new taxes take effect.

The US is implementing these measures under a 1930 law regarding trade discrimination rather than using emergency powers, a legal path chosen after the Supreme Court previously blocked similar sweeping tariff actions.