Canada imposes dollar-for-dollar tariffs on $28 billion of U.S. goods, hitting small firms
Canada enacted dollar-for-dollar tariffs on about $28 billion of U.S. imports, affecting roughly 700 products and prompting concerns from small-business groups.
Canada’s federal government activated dollar-for-dollar tariffs at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, covering roughly $28 billion of U.S. imports across about 700 product lines, with rates from 15% up to 50%. The tariffs respond to the United States’ earlier 50% levies on comparable goods, spanning steel, aluminum, toilet paper and niche items such as arcade machines. Small-business advocates, led by Dan Kelly of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, argue the policy treats their members like “cannon fodder” in the trade dispute.
Manitoba retailer JS Furniture, which sources 60% of its stock from the U.S., expects to absorb higher costs on large furniture items while warning of delayed store expansions and pressure on commission-based staff. Economist Colin Mang points out that retailers previously absorbed most tariff costs, and that most Canadian households likely won’t notice price shifts, though profitability for SMEs may be squeezed. Officials acknowledge the duties target goods with domestic substitutes, aiming to boost local market share despite steep rates.
