United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump on Monday imposed a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods, accusing Canada of unfairly discriminating against American automobiles, alcohol and dairy products, in a move that could intensify trade tensions and fuel inflation. The tariffs, introduced under Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act, will take effect in 30 days, allowing time for negotiations. Energy products, potash, fish and critical minerals are exempt, but goods previously covered under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are included after the US declined to renew the 2020 pact. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa remains committed to "free and fair trade" and is ready to negotiate, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Canada to respond with matching tariffs if the measures proceed. Business leaders on both sides called for negotiations, warning of economic damage. Analysts also cautioned that invoking the rarely used Depression-era law could increase uncertainty and potentially expand tariffs to other US trading partners. The move poses political and economic risks for Trump ahead of November's midterm elections. Critics warned the tariffs would raise consumer prices and trigger retaliation, while the administration argued they would encourage manufacturing to return to the US. Trump also ordered a review of possible additional tariffs over Canadian wildfire smoke affecting US air quality. He further accused Canada of maintaining discriminatory policies on US autos, alcohol and cheese, citing retaliatory measures taken after earlier US tariffs over fentanyl-related disputes.