Canada Rejects Trump Pressure, With Tariffs Set to Take Effect Tuesday

Canada is moving ahead with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods beginning Tuesday, defying President Donald Trump's threats of additional economic pressure as the two countries remain locked in an escalating trade dispute. The Canadian counter-tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, according to the Canadian government, which says the new duties will cover $27.6 billion in U.S. imports. The tariffs will range from 15% to 50%, with individual rates matching the corresponding U.S. tariffs. The targeted products include steel and aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics and electronics. Canada announced the measures after trade negotiations with the Trump administration broke down. Ottawa said the new U.S. demands were not acceptable and suspended the talks rather than agree to terms it said would hurt Canadian workers and businesses. The decision means Canada is proceeding with the retaliation despite Trump's repeated warnings that Ottawa could face further consequences if it does not reach an agreement with Washington. The Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on $27.6 billion in Canadian goods effective Aug. 22. Canada said it would respond 'dollar for dollar' and 'rate for rate' with its own tariffs. Trump continued his pressure campaign Monday, saying Canadian aerospace company Bombardier should not be permitted to sell aircraft in the United States unless it shifts manufacturing to the U.S. Reuters reported that the White House did not immediately explain how such a restriction would be implemented. Trump has previously threatened additional measures against Bombardier, including tariffs on its aircraft. The president has also continued to needle Canada over the trade dispute, including his decision to rename Lake Ontario 'Lake America' for U.S. federal purposes. Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to use 'Lake America,' and major mapping services have adopted the name for U.S. users. Canadian officials, however, continue to call it Lake Ontario. Trump has also repeatedly criticized Ontario Premier Doug Ford as the trade dispute has intensified. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has continued to say Ottawa is willing to negotiate with Washington, but he has rejected terms he considers unfavorable to Canada. The Canadian government has also announced $7.5 billion in new and enhanced support for workers and businesses affected by the tariff fight. For now, however, Canada is proceeding with its retaliation. Unless there is a last-minute agreement, the new Canadian tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.