캐나다, 미국에 ‘같은 규모’ 보복관세…무역전쟁 격화

Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods equal to those imposed by the United States, escalating a trade war that has lasted since recent negotiations broke down. The two countries, which have traded $900 billion annually, face an increasingly hostile economic relationship. Canadian Finance Minister Marc Kavan declared on September 8 that tariffs would begin on American steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics products starting that day.

He claimed this move was "the last resort" due to rising costs, but when asked if it constituted an act of war, he replied, "We attack, they attack. We fight back." In response, the U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian wine, hockey sticks, cement, furniture, clothing, and agricultural products, accounting for roughly $5 billion in Canadian exports.

This is a significant increase from previous measures, as the U.S. now targets certain products meeting the requirements of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA). While conditions were briefly reached for a deal, talks broke down on the 21st. Kavan accused the U.S. of making last-minute demands that would affect Canada's language, culture, and sovereignty, such as allowing large trucks to be exempted from auto tariffs and limiting Canada's ability to negotiate trade agreements with third countries.

The U.S. countered that Canada had made new demands at the last minute regarding heavy trucks. The escalation could have broader economic consequences, with experts warning that almost all industries could be impacted. The ongoing trade war could also pose political challenges for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the midterms in November, particularly amid concerns about rising inflation and economic slowdown.