Canada is adjusting parts of its planned retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after receiving feedback from Canadian industries concerned about the potential economic impact of the measures.
Finance Canada said Wednesday that it had reviewed input from businesses and made changes to the list of products targeted by the counter-tariffs. The revisions come as Canadian companies continue to deal with new U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
Under Ottawa’s response, Canada plans to increase tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum products from 25% to 50%. Additional counter-tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% will also apply to hundreds of American products, including clothing, appliances and dairy goods.
One significant adjustment is the removal of fish and seafood products from the retaliation list. The federal government said the change was made to protect against broader economic harm, although it did not immediately provide further details about the revised measures.
The planned counter-tariffs are scheduled to take effect on September 8, following the U.S. decision to impose 50% tariffs on approximately C$27.6 billion worth of Canadian goods. Ottawa has described its response as a dollar-for-dollar effort designed to protect Canadian workers, farmers and businesses.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada is reluctant to escalate the dispute because retaliatory tariffs can raise prices and reduce choices for Canadian consumers. However, he has also argued that Ottawa must defend Canadian industries and national interests following the breakdown of trade negotiations with Washington.
The latest changes highlight the difficult balance facing the Canadian government: maintaining pressure on the United States while avoiding measures that could further hurt Canadian businesses, consumers and supply chains.
The trade dispute remains fluid, with U.S. and Canadian officials facing pressure from industries on both sides of the border to limit the economic damage and eventually return to negotiations.
Swifteradio.com
