President Donald Trump is set to hit imports from Canada with a 50 per cent tariff, which will apply to a variety of goods, in response to alleged “unwelcome treatment”.
Earlier this evening, the US Commander-in-Chief signed an order targeting the Commonwealth country, in a retaliatory move against how the Canadian Government taxes dairy, cars, and alcohol.
As it stands, these duties will come into effect on August 19 and represent a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two nations.
According to the White House, these tariffs are considered essential for the US economy to protect American business owners.
President Trump has launched another tariff raid
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Among the goods set to be charged are everyday products, such as wine and beer, alongside industrial goods like commercial cement.
However, some key experts will not be slapped with the 50 per cent tax, including energy, critical minerals and fish.
Last week, President Trump threatened to impose tariffs after smoke from Canadian wildfires crossed over into US airspace.
In a Truth Social statement, he said: “We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their Forests, and Brush therein, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney served as Governor of the Bank of England during Brexit | GETTY
Canadian authorities said 858 wildfires were currently burning across the country | GETTY
However, it is understood that the administration’s decision to launch another tariff raid is in response to past economic actions from Canada.
An administration official, who spoke to reporters anonymously, claimed that President Trump signed three proclamations to issue the tariffs under Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act.
Donald Trump and Mark Carney met for talks in the White House | Reuters