The US-Canada trade war in 5 charts
The US and Canada remain locked in a trade dispute characterized by reciprocal tariffs on key sectors like steel, aluminum, and automobiles. The ongoing conflict has led to significant job losses and manufacturing slowdowns, particularly in Ontario.
Why it matters
The trade war between these two major economic partners has long-term implications for North American supply chains and regional employment.
By Nadine Yousif and Jessica Murphy , Reporting from Toronto and Jess Carr and Daniel Wainwright , BBC Verify Published 31 August 2026, 01:05 BST The US and Canada appear no closer to resolving their ongoing trade dispute.
Tensions have been simmering between the two neighbours since President Donald Trump returned to the White House just over 18 months ago, and unleashed a wide-ranging global programme of tariffs.
Canada was one of the first countries the Trump administration hit with levies, and is one of two countries to respond with its own reciprocal measures.
Currently, the US has hit Canada's key sectors of steel, aluminium, lumber and automobiles with tariffs, and last week imposed an additional 50% levy on about C$28bn ($20bn; £15bn) of Canadian goods.
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