Canada Day response to Trump tariffs
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has unveiled the final list of nearly $17 billion in retaliatory tariffs set to go into effect on Canada Day, Sunday, July 1 in response to steel levies announced last month by the Trump administration that targets Canadian steel and aluminum.
It appears to largely match the list of 140 items originally put out by the government on May 31, reports Global News
Speaking in Hamilton, Ontario at the Stelco steel factory, on Friday, June 29 Freeland said the government had finalized the list of American goods targeted by the retaliatory tariffs, based on consultations with Canadians and industry over recent weeks.
The list, worth a total of $16.6 billion, targets everything from whiskey, washing machines, steel and aluminum to orange juice, frozen pizza, beer, manicure products, boats, ketchup, coffee, nut butters, and jams.
“Countless Canadians of many diverse political points of view agree with this approach,” said Freeland. “We will maintain the firm resolve to do so.”
Freeland also noted she and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer have already spoken six times this week about the issue and will continue to do so with the aim of getting the tariffs removed permanently.
Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains also announced an aid package worth $2 billion for the steel and aluminum industries.
That funding will come in the form of $250 million for the strategic innovation fund to support the steel and aluminum industries as well as roughly $1 billion in funding through the Business Development Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada.
Employment Minister Patty Hajdu also announced temporary changes to employment insurance rules to allow workers in those industries whose hours are cut back due to the effects of the tariffs to continue to qualify for the service.
She also indicated the government is open to considering further support actions if needed.
“If going forward, more support is needed, we’ll be there,” she said.
On May 31, Trump announced he would not extend temporary exemptions granted to Canada, the European Union, and Mexico from the tariffs.
They impose a levy of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum.
Both the European Union and Mexico immediately imposed their own tariffs, targeting goods made in regions of the U.S. where Trump support is strong.
After the G7 meeting in Canada, Trump launched personal attacks on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling him weak, which led many to start their own trade war by boycotting US goods and tourism.
