Ottawa to hike tariffs on U.S., steel, aluminum to 50% in retaliation
The federal government is upping tariffs on American steel and aluminum products from 25 to 50% in retaliation for the United States imposing tariffs last week on nearly $28 billion of Canadian goods.
The government will also impose 50% tariffs on clothing and apparel, and levy a 25% tariff on appliances, dairy products, seafood, and certain steel and aluminum derivatives products.
Ottawa says it is matching the dollar amount of the U.S. tariffs but the list does not include all of the same items targeted by President Donald Trump.
READ: Ottawa to announce details of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. Tuesday
Officials who briefed reporters on the product list say Canada selected products from the Canadian industries most impacted by the U.S. tariffs, to protect their market share.
The government also announced a $7.5-billion aid package for Canadian businesses impacted by the trade war with the United States.
Among the measures includes new loan programs for businesses, and more flexibility to apply for employment insurance.
