Ottawa moves to shield key sectors amid rising trade tensions
Canada will match U.S. exemptions on recent punitive tariffs, a senior Canadian official confirmed, signaling Ottawa’s effort to maintain stability in critical trade flows despite growing economic friction.
The announcement comes as Washington imposes steep duties on a range of imports, sparking concerns of a broader trade dispute. By mirroring U.S. exemptions, Canada aims to protect key industries and supply chains, particularly in manufacturing and energy, from severe disruptions.
Officials emphasized that the move is designed to keep Canadian businesses competitive while preventing unnecessary strain on consumers and cross-border trade. However, Ottawa warned that while exemptions provide temporary relief, long-term trade stability will depend on ongoing negotiations between the two countries.
Industry groups welcomed the decision but urged both governments to resolve underlying disputes quickly to avoid further economic uncertainty.