Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on July 20, 2026, that Canada has imposed equivalent counter-measures against the United States after Washington signaled new 50% tariffs on major Canadian export sectors.
The American duties target key Canadian industries, including the automotive sector, which Ottawa stated directly violates the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
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"Today, the U. S.
administration announced its intention to impose new 50% tariffs on a significant number of Canadian products," Carney said.
Provinces, territories, and citizens across Canada have united to support the national economy, protecting local workers, farmers, businesses, and families during the ongoing dispute.
"These measures include tariffs on the automotive sector, in violation of CUSMA. Canada, as is its right, has taken equivalent measures," Carney said.
To settle the dispute and adapt to changes in US trade relations over the past 18 months, Canadian officials submitted a series of comprehensive proposals aimed at modernizing the existing CUSMA framework.
"More generally, in response to these measures and threats to Canadian sovereignty, provinces, territories, and Canadians from coast to coast to coast have stood united and taken the necessary actions to support our economy and defend our workers, farmers, businesses, and families," Carney said.
Ottawa emphasized that its commitment to open trade remains strong, pointing to more than 20 new economic and security partnerships signed by the current government.
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"Mindful that the United States has transformed its entire trade relationship, including that governed by CUSMA, over the past 18 months, Canada has presented a detailed and comprehensive series of proposals to resolve this dispute and modernize CUSMA.
