Canada imposes sweeping retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods as Africa opts for dialogue

Canada has imposed sweeping retaliatory tariffs of up to 50 percent on roughly 700 American products, targeting about $20 billion in annual U.S. imports, following the collapse of trade negotiations in Washington. The new duties take effect September 8. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had pledged a "dollar for dollar" response to U.S. trade penalties. Tariffs cover steel, aluminum, household appliances, electronics, railway equipment, and fish, with steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50 percent and other goods facing 15 and 25 percent duties. Canadian officials selected import categories for political resonance, targeting products from U.S. states that supported President Trump. Ottawa is also offering interest-free loans to domestic businesses, while African nations like South Africa, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe pursue diplomatic engagement instead of retaliation.