U.S. states most at risk from Canadian tariffs

Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods starting Sept. 8, targeting over 800 products to pressure the Trump administration ahead of the U.S. general election. Canadian officials confirmed the duties are strategically designed to hit key states. The tariffs will affect states with competitive midterm races, including Maine, where a 25% duty on lobsters targets a signature industry, and dairy-producing states like Wisconsin and Vermont. Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio face significant impacts from duties on steel, aluminum, appliances, and auto parts, while agricultural exports from states like North Dakota are largely exempt. Canada is the top export destination for 27 U.S. states, buying about one-tenth of all American exports. The tariffs mirror U.S. duties and will hit a mix of red, blue, and purple states, economists said. Canada also urged consumers to buy domestic products, while Oxford Economics warned the tariffs could raise Canadian inflation by 0.3 percentage points in 2027.