Tariffs play a key role in international trade relations, directly influencing the industries and economies of the countries involved. The following timeline maps out the key events related to tariff measures introduced by Canada and the United States. From the initial tariff announcement to subsequent retaliatory measures, follow the evolution of decisions that are shaping trade.
- February 1: President Trump announces tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.
- February 1: Canada announces two series of retaliatory measures targeting specific U.S. exports.
- February 3: U.S. announces suspension of tariffs on Canada for 30 days.
- February 10: President Trump announces he will impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum starting March 12.
- February 25: President Trump calls for investigation into whether copper imports are a threat to national security.
- March 1: President Trump calls for investigation into whether lumber and timber imports are a threat to national security.
- March 4: End of 30-day tariff pause. Trump administration imposes 10% tariffs on oil and gas imports and 25% on all other imports from Canada.
- March 4: Canada retaliates with 25% tariffs on CA$30 billion in goods imported from the U.S.
- March 6: U.S. exempts imports from Canada that meet the CUSMA rules of origin.
- March 12: U.S. tariffs of 25% on imports of steel, aluminum and certain derivative products announced on February 10 take effect.
- March 13: Canada retaliates with 25% tariffs on CA$29.8 billion in goods imported from the U.S.
- March 26: President Trump announces that from April 3, 25% tariffs will be imposed on all imports of vehicles and automotive parts.
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April 2: Donald Trump confirms that 25% tariffs will be imposed on imported vehicles and auto parts from around the world as of April 3.
Products considered compliant under the US-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) remain unaffected by the tariff changes, which will take effect on April 3. Non-USMCA goods continue to be subject to a 25% tariff. Non-USMCA energy and potash are still subject to 10 % tariffs.
The aluminum and steel industries continue to be hit by the Trump administration's tariff policy, with 25% tariffs targeting all countries since March 12.
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April 3: 25% tariffs on U.S.-imported vehicles and auto parts take effect.
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April 3: The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, announced : 25% tariffs on non-CUSMA compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States; 25% tariffs on non-Canadian and non-Mexican content of CUSMA compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States.
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April 9: Canadian countermeasures come into effect: a 25% tariff on vehicles that do not comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUMA), as well as on non-Canadian and non-Mexican content of CUMA-compliant vehicles from the United States.
