US imposes 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods

The United States early Saturday put into effect steep new tariffs of 50% on Canadian goods valued at approximately $20 billion. The move marks a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two North American neighbors.

The tariffs took hold after last-ditch negotiations between American and Canadian officials, aimed at averting the measure, ultimately failed to produce an agreement. Despite efforts to reach a deal before the deadline, the two sides could not bridge their differences.

Canada vows retaliation

Canada responded immediately, stating it would retaliate against the new tariffs. The source report does not specify the exact form Canada's countermeasures will take, but the swift response signals that the trade dispute between the two countries is likely to continue.

The tariff hike could affect a wide range of goods crossing the shared border and adds fresh strain to a bilateral trade relationship that has long been considered one of the closest in the world.