Canada's tariffs go into effect, spotlighting soured relations with U.S.

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Set us as preferred WASHINGTON — A trade war between the United States and Canada entered a new phase Tuesday as Ottawa’s retaliatory tariffs on American goods took effect, escalating a dispute that has steadily strained relations between the allies.Canada’s tariffs, which came into force just after midnight, cover roughly $20 billion in U.S.goods and impose duties of as much as 50% on products, from steel and aluminum to farm equipment, clothing and electronics.

The list also reaches into the everyday commerce that binds the two economies, including cheese, seafood and cosmetics.It was the latest sign that relations between the two neighbors have reached their lowest point in decades, after Trump dismissed Canada as the 51st American state, moved to rename Lake Ontario and mocked its armed forces.Ottawa’s latest measures are a response to tariffs imposed by President Trump last month on Canadian exports.The two governments had appeared close to a trade deal just a month ago.

But talks broke down in dramatic fashion, leaving both sides aggrieved and accusing the other of negotiating in bad faith.In a post Tuesday, Trump said Canada “has been ripping us off for years” and threatened to respond by removing access for Canadian businesses to key American markets.“What many do not realize is that the Canadian Government, including Canadian Provinces, have banned American Small Businesses and Companies from selling into their Government Procurement Markets,” Trump wrote.

“This is the case even though Canada gets broad access into the massive American Government Procurement Market, including those of our States.“That is not reciprocity, it is a Canadian Trade Scam.

From now on, NO RECIPROCITY — NO ACCESS!” he continued.“I am hereby directing the [General Services Administration], working with the [U.S....