Zollstreit: Kanada will USA mit Gegenzöllen politisch unter Druck setzen

Canada plans to use retaliatory tariffs against the United States ahead of crucial midterm elections to exert political pressure, according to Canada's Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. Joly emphasized that they are targeting products affecting individual U.S. states, without specifying which ones. U.S. media suggest that Maine, located on the northeastern border with Canada, might be impacted by new tariffs on fish and seafood.

Republican Senator Susan Collins, who faces a re-election bid in November, previously expressed opposition to comprehensive tariffs on Canadian goods and warned of potential retaliatory measures. Collins informed that the government must consider the negative impact tariffs would have on businesses, communities, and families in Maine.

With the November midterm elections approaching, about a third of Senate seats and the entire House of Representatives will be up for grabs. Given the narrow Republican majority in both chambers, a few lost seats could significantly impact who ultimately holds power in Congress. After the failed trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa last week, tensions between the neighboring countries have escalated.

The U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods worth around 20 billion U.S. dollars (approximately 17 billion euros), including items like hockey sticks, furniture, honey, and wine. In response, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on U.S. imports valued at 27.6 billion Canadian dollars, essentially equivalent in value.

According to Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, the measures primarily target steel and aluminum, household appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics. Canada is currently the second-largest trading partner of the United States.