Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods

US President <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/08/trumps-tariffs-highlight-need-for-nz-to-make-more-products-on-home-soil/">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday imposed 50% <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/04/where-we-might-feel-the-effects-from-trumps-tariffs-and-when/">tariffs</a> on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move could unleash a new wave of <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/12/dire-outlook-for-us-economy-drove-trumps-sudden-tariff-backflip/" target="_blank">economic chaos</a>, with risks of higher inflation and further fraying of relations between two nations that had been closely woven together before Trump's return to the White House. The administration official previewing the action said that Canada was one of the only nations <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/12/us-china-to-cut-tariffs-by-115-for-90-days/" target="_blank">other than China</a> that retaliated against Trump's <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/04/03/trade-minister-tariffs-not-good-for-trade-nz-wont-retaliate/" target="_blank">previous tariffs</a> and must be held accountable. The official insisted on anonymity on a call with reporters to preview the president's actions and said that Trump signed three proclamations to launch the tariffs under Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act.