Canada announces retaliatory tariffs on US steel, dairy and electronics as trade war escalates

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on 23 August 2026 that Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs on US steel, dairy and electronics industries, effective 8 September, after Washington levied a 50 per cent tariff on approximately US$20 billion worth of Canadian goods — roughly 5.5 per cent of Canadian exports to the US. Carney said Canada would "match Washington's new tariffs dollar for dollar" to protect Canadian workers, farmers, families and businesses, following the collapse of days of intense negotiations. Trump responded on Truth Social by suggesting Canada wanted the benefits of US statehood without joining the Union.