U.S. Slaps 50% Tariff on $20 Billion in Canadian Imports as Trade Talks Collapse

A 50% U.S. tariff — a tax on imported goods — on $20 billion in Canadian imports took effect August 23, 2026, after trade negotiations collapsed. The move ends a year of tariff de-escalation that began when Canada lifted most counter-tariffs on U.S. goods in September 2025. PM Carney announced dollar-for-dollar retaliation effective September 8, targeting U.S. steel, dairy, appliances, and agriculture.