캐나다, 미국에 200억달러 보복 관세…관세 갈등 넘어 ‘주권 침해’ 전면전

Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States in response to the 50% tariff increase imposed by the U.S. on Canadian goods. The primary objective is to protect domestic industries, but political and strategic motives are also at play. The move comes as trade negotiations between the two countries break down, with Canada alleging that the U.S. is attempting to infringe upon its sovereignty.

Canada has set a 15%, 25%, and 50% tariff on American imports worth 276 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 200 billion U.S. dollars) starting November 8th, responding to the U.S. imposition of similar tariffs on Canadian goods worth 55 billion Canadian dollars. The tariff decisions reflect political considerations, targeting specific American states with products such as Wisconsin's processed cheese, Maine's seafood, and Kentucky's steel and washer-dryer facilities.

While Canada denies designating these decisions based on political impact, the White House accused Canada of taking "irrational demands and unreasonable positions" and threatened further tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles, trucks, and auto parts. The deadlock stems from a last-minute shift in the U.S. negotiating stance, with U.S. Trade Representative pushing for a reduction in aluminum and auto tariffs while Canada insisted on maintaining stricter measures.

The dispute has escalated beyond tariffs to include issues of trade sovereignty and cultural protection, with Canada rejecting the U.S. demand to limit its participation in free trade agreements.