Canada retaliated on September 8 against the imposition of U.S. tariffs in moves designed to put economic and political pressure on Washington, Canadian government officials said.
The counter-tariffs cover some $20 billion of U.S. goods, with duties ranging from 15% to 50% across products from steel and furniture to clothing and electronics.
Canada uses targeted tariffs to pressure U.S. politics
Mark Carney is adding his name to the many special interests meddling in U.S. elections. Canada's prime minister lacks the financial firepower to go toe to toe in a tariff war with his country's southern neighbor, whose economy looms 13 times larger. Upcoming American elections, including in some swing states along the border, do, however, present vulnerabilities for asymmetric warfare.
In response to the latest irrational duties imposed by President Donald Trump, Canada rolled out retaliatory charges on $20 billion of northbound goods. They are small in the broader world of imports and exports, but represent targeted strikes in areas important to Trump’s Make America Great Again coalition and donors, and where important races are being run. "We're being wise and strategic to put political pressure,” Industry Minister Melanie Joly said.
Canada's tactics amount to a super PAC of sorts, rivaling the largely unfettered U.S. campaign funds like Trump's own $400 million pool earmarked for ads and other voter outreach. Carney's 15% to 50% levies hit the dairy and paper industries in Wisconsin, whose gubernatorial race is tight. Ohio and Michigan depend on closely integrated heavy manufacturing, especially autos, with Ontario, and will suffer from new tariffs on auto parts and steel. Both states have major Senate battles to be settled in November.
Carney retained some dry powder, too. Slapping taxes on seafood would rattle businesses in Alaska and Maine, where Republican Senate candidates are exposed at the ballot box. Trump even faces risks from seeking further retribution. Import duties on Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, for example, would threaten 1,200 jobs in Kansas. Senator Roger Marshall, a Republican seeking reelection, has already publicly complained to the White House.
The Trump administration has made no secret of its contempt for Ottawa’s reluctance to capitulate. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent compared his nation's closest ally and top trading partner to a "little yippy dog" barking at a German shepherd. He also has praised separatists in Alberta, one of several clumsy and unsavory interventions in Canadian politics that help validate Carney's tactical and proportionate response.
Bessent’s remarks contain more than a kernel of truth. With $32 trillion in GDP, the United States dwarfs Canada's $2.5 trillion while accounting for 70% of its exports. Just as undersized Ukraine and Iran have proved to be unexpectedly formidable on the battlefield, Carney is finding ways to punch above his country's weight economically. The political costs for Trump may rival the enormous military tab he has left for taxpayers.
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