US enacts 50 percent tariffs on Canadian imports as trade negotiations collapse

Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada have collapsed, prompting Washington to impose 50 percent import tariffs on Canadian goods. The measures took effect overnight after a deadline set by the Trump administration expired without a bilateral agreement. The duties affect Canadian exports valued between $20 billion and $28 billion, extending to products previously covered under regional free trade accords.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the suspension of further discussions and pledged equivalent retaliatory tariffs to safeguard domestic industries and workers. Both governments have attributed blame to each other for the impasse, marking a sharp escalation in economic tensions between the longtime allies.

Sources: Der Spiegel, NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting), NRC, ORF, Tagesschau.