More than 550 Canadian products are now facing a 50% tariff when entering the United States, bringing everyday goods such as honey, makeup, Christmas decorations and hockey equipment into the widening trade dispute between Washington and Ottawa.
The new tariffs took effect Saturday and are expected to cover about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. That is a relatively small share of Canada's total exports to the US, which were worth about $381.92 billion last year, but the 50% rate could add significantly to import costs.
What products are affected?
The tariff list covers a surprisingly broad range of goods. It includes natural honey, plant bulbs, vegetable seeds and various animal products, along with beer, vermouth and cider.
Furniture fittings, wallpaper, lighting fixtures and kitchenware are also included. Other affected products range from paints, varnishes and plywood to ice skates, golf equipment and fishing rods.
Consumers could also encounter the tariffs on perfumes, makeup, manicure products, luggage, gloves, coats, toys and Christmas-related items. Digital cameras, smartphones, video game consoles, envelopes and toilet or facial tissue are among the other products listed.
Tariffs are paid by importers, although some of the additional costs can eventually be passed on to consumers through higher prices.
Canada prepares retaliation
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Ottawa will respond with "dollar for dollar" countermeasures starting September 8.
The planned Canadian tariffs are expected to target US steel, dairy products, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.
The dispute could escalate further. Ontario Premier Doug Ford told The Associated Press that "everything is on the table", including the possibility of cutting off electricity and critical minerals to the US if tensions intensify.
Trump "underestimates Canada. We're all in," Ford said, while also suggesting oil and potash could be used as leverage.
Trump threatens higher auto tariffs
Trump has separately said tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel could rise to 50% from January 1, 2027. Canada currently faces a broader 25% tariff on automobiles, while a 50% sectoral tariff on most steel imports is already in place.
Trump accused Canada of "ripping off" the US over what he described as "ridiculously high tariffs" on American farmers. "WE DON'T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US!" he added in a Monday Truth Social post.
Canadian officials, however, have warned that higher auto tariffs could hurt production on both sides of the border, given the close links between the two countries' automotive industries.