Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Trump’s 50% Canada Tariffs Target Alcohol, Clothing and More
The United States has started charging an extra 50% tax on many goods from Canada.
The goods include alcohol, dairy products, clothing, hockey equipment, motorcycles, honey and building materials.
The list also includes unusual items such as Christmas decorations, dog leashes and synthetic wigs.
Some products made outside Canada could also be affected if they are shipped to the US from Canada.
US homebuilders worry that plywood tariffs could make construction and housing more expensive.
President Donald Trump says the tariffs respond to what he calls unfair treatment of American cars, dairy products and alcohol.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will answer with matching tariffs on US goods.
He warned that the response could increase costs and reduce choices for Canadians.
New 50% US tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian exports took effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
Affected goods include alcohol, dairy products, clothing, hockey equipment, motorcycles, honey, plants, paper and smartphones.
The list also covers 36 types of plywood, Christmas decorations, jewellery, fishing equipment, dog leashes and some furniture.
US homebuilders warn that limited domestic plywood supplies could increase construction and housing costs.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will impose dollar-for-dollar tariffs on US imports beginning September 8.
- Who
- The administration of US President Donald Trump and the Canadian government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- What
- The United States imposed 50% tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods, while Canada announced matching tariffs on US imports.
- When
- The US tariffs took effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday; Canada said its counter-tariffs would begin September 8.
- Where
- The measures affect goods traded between the United States and Canada.
- Why
- Trump said the US tariffs would offset alleged Canadian discrimination against American cars, dairy products and alcohol; Carney said Canada’s response would protect Canadian workers and businesses.
US Administration
Canadian Government
Reason for the tariffs
US Administration
Donald Trump said the tariffs are intended to offset what he describes as Canadian discrimination against American cars, dairy products and alcohol.
Canadian Government
Mark Carney said Canada is responding to protect Canadian workers and businesses after negotiations failed to produce an acceptable agreement.
Response to the measures
US Administration
The United States put tariffs on a broad range of Canadian products after officials failed to reach a deal before the deadline.
Canadian Government
Canada said it will impose dollar-for-dollar tariffs on US goods, focusing on sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.
Economic impact
US Administration
The tariffs could make Canadian goods more expensive in the United States, while plywood duties have raised concerns about construction and housing costs.
Canadian Government
Carney warned that Canadian counter-tariffs could raise costs, reduce consumer choice and affect US companies and states.
- US tariff rate
- 50% on the affected Canadian goods.
- Estimated trade affected
- About $20 billion worth of Canadian exports.
- Tariff start time
- 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
- Major affected categories
- Alcohol, dairy, clothing, hockey equipment, motorcycles, plywood, honey, paper, plants, essential oils and smartphones.
- Plywood coverage
- The tariff list reportedly includes 36 types of plywood.
- Canadian response
- Dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on US imports beginning September 8.
- Canadian target sectors
- Steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.
