WASHINGTON − Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion worth of U.S. imports, aiming to match President Donald Trump’s tariffs "dollar for dollar."
The action marks an escalation in the growing trade war between the two countries, after talks collapsed last week and Trump imposed 50% tariffs Aug. 22 on about 5% of Canadian imports. The Canadian duties take effect Sept. 8 and range from 15% to 50% on 700 products.
"Our dollar-for-dollar, rate-for-rate counter-tariffs as well as a multibillion-dollar support package will protect workers, farmers, families, and businesses," Canada's Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said.
The 50% tariffs apply to steel, aluminum, furniture and clothing. The 25% tariffs are on cheese, appliances
and some seafood. The 15% tariffs will be on electronics and tools.
“Canada has what the world wants, and we will not allow any nation to determine our future," said Patty Hajdu, Canada's minister of jobs and family. "We will always stand up for Canadian workers and businesses. We are strong because we take care of each other and that is why we will always be masters of our own destiny.”
Trump also announced Aug. 24 that he would double tariffs to 50% on automobiles and auto parts imported from Canada. He also threatened to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America as part of the spat.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Canada unveils $20B in tariffs to match US duties 'dollar for dollar'
