Why does Trump insist on tariffs? Understand the strategy behind trade policy The White House announced this Monday (20) the imposition of an additional 50% tariff on a wide range of products imported from Canada, in response to what it classified as the country's discriminatory treatment against American products, especially in the motor vehicle, alcoholic beverage and dairy sectors. United States President Donald Trump signed three proclamations authorizing the measure based on Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, legislation that allows the application of tariffs of up to 50% on imports from specific countries. The goal is to offset "the burden or disadvantage arising from discrimination against United States commerce," Trump wrote. Donald Trump, President of the USA, during a FIFA event in New York, on July 17, 2026 Reuters/Evan Vucci
US imposes additional 50% tariff on certain Canadian products
Why does Trump insist on tariffs? Understand the strategy behind trade policy The White House announced this Monday (20) the imposition of an additional 50% tariff on a wide range of products imported from Canada, in...
The new tariffs, which take effect at 12:01 a.m. (Eastern Time) on August 19, 2026, will affect a wide variety of Canadian products, ranging from wine and hockey sticks to cement, according to the White House. The additional 50% tariff will not be applied to products already subject to import restrictions under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, nor to certain civil aircraft parts and components. List of Canadian products taxed What the document says In the document, Trump maintains that Canada adopts a tariff system that exclusively harms American vehicles, while granting more favorable treatment to other countries. According to the proclamation, this policy caused U.S. automobile exports to the Canadian market to decline by approximately 22% between April 2025 and March 2026 compared to the same period prior. "Canada discriminates against U.S. trade," the text states, adding that the additional tariffs are "necessary and appropriate" to protect American interests and encourage the Canadian government to eliminate these practices. *Report being updated
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