Trump Invokes 1930 Smoot-Hawley Law for 50% Tariffs on Canada

On July 21, 2026, President Trump ordered 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods, invoking Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act — the Smoot-Hawley statute tied to deepening the Great Depression. The tariffs take effect in 30 days, pending negotiations. Energy, critical minerals, potash, and fish are exempt. It is a rare use of the nearly century-old law against a treaty ally and fellow USMCA signatory.