The Canadian government has announced adjustments to its list of counter-tariffs by removing seafood and fish products and adding copper wire and charcoal to maintain equal measures against the United States. Finance Canada stated that seafood items were removed based on industry feedback and a continuous assessment of the effectiveness of the measures, particularly for sectors targeted by U.S. tariffs. In response to recent tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, Ottawa plans to increase duties on American steel, aluminum products, and certain seafood items.
Additionally, the Ministry of Finance confirmed the inclusion of copper wire, charcoal, plaster sheets, tiles, and printed photographs to the tariff list, all subject to a 50% tariff rate starting on September 8. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized that the decision to remove U.S. seafood from the counter-tariff list was made in Canada’s best interests after listening to Canadians. Champagne stated that the update was the right course of action for Canada, without directly addressing the potential implications on relations with the White House.