Carney looking at 'all options' as Trump announces 50% tariffs on Canada

What the report says

BBC World News reported that US President Donald Trump has announced a 50% tariff on a broad range of Canadian imports, sharply raising trade tensions between the two neighbours. The measures, which the White House says will take effect in 30 days, target consumer products such as wine and hockey sticks as well as industrial goods including cement. BBC said some major Canadian exports, including energy, potash, critical minerals and fish, are excluded.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he had spoken with Trump and that the two leaders agreed to step up trade discussions. Carney also said Canada was considering “all options” in response, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for a matching Canadian response if Washington proceeds. Trump framed the tariffs as retaliation for what he described as Canada’s unfair treatment of US cars, dairy and alcohol.

According to the BBC, the new duties add to an already strained trade relationship. The US has existing tariffs on Canadian metals, softwood lumber and non-US car parts, while Canada maintains counter-tariffs on some American steel, aluminium and vehicles. Canada previously retaliated against earlier Trump tariffs with levies on about C$30bn worth of US goods, though Carney later removed some of them.

The dispute also raises questions about the future of North American trade rules under the USMCA. BBC cited a White House fact sheet saying the new tariffs apply even to goods covered by that agreement. The report noted that Trump has been seeking new legal routes for tariffs after the US Supreme Court rejected many earlier global duties imposed under emergency powers.