TRUMP IMPOSES 50 PERCENT TARIFFS ON GOODS FROM CANADA

WASHINGTON, JULY 21 /SRNA/ - U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the imposition of a 50 percent tariff on a wide range of goods imported from Canada in retaliation for what he called the "unequal treatment" of American automobiles, dairy products, and alcohol, reports The Washington Post.

The tariffs take effect on August 19 and mark a major escalation in trade tensions between the two North American neighbors. The new tariffs are added to trade barriers that already exist between the two countries.

The White House stated that the tariffs are necessary to protect American businesses.

The affected goods range from everyday consumer products, such as wine and hockey sticks, to industrial goods like commercial cement.

However, some key export products will be exempt, such as energy, potash, critical minerals, and fish.

The U.S. currently maintains tariffs ranging from 15 to 50 percent on Canadian steel, aluminum, and copper.

Washington imposes a 35 percent tariff on Canadian softwood lumber, as well as a 25 percent tax on non-U.S. parts used in vehicles.

Canada, for its part, has a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on selected imports of U.S. steel, aluminum, and vehicles.

The latest tariffs come after Trump threatened to impose tariffs due to the smoke from wildfires in Canada, which had spread to American cities.