US Lawmakers Criticise Trump’s 50% Tariffs On Canada After Trade Talks Collapse

A group of US lawmakers has criticised President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian products after trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa broke down, warning that the measures could increase prices, disrupt businesses and create further uncertainty.

The new tariffs took effect on Saturday after the talks failed to produce an agreement.

Canada has responded by announcing matching duties and additional support for affected workers and businesses.

Republican Senator Susan Collins warned that repeated changes in the negotiations were increasing costs and risks for businesses in Maine. She said most companies would have little choice but to pass higher tariff costs on to consumers.

Maine imports about $2 billion in non-petroleum goods from Canada annually, while businesses fear shortages and retaliation.

Senator Peter Welch said the tariffs would hurt businesses and farmers in Vermont and other border states, urging Trump to resolve the dispute.

Representative Richard Neal accused Trump of changing demands and undermining talks with a key US ally. He warned that American workers, businesses and consumers would ultimately bear the economic consequences.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa suspended negotiations after Washington introduced terms Canada considered unfair and economically damaging. He said the US had demanded too much while offering too little, adding that Canada would protect its sovereignty, cultural interests and key industries.

Canada said the US tariffs would cover around C$28 billion in goods and pledged matching retaliation.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer blamed Ottawa for changing its commitments and failing to finalise a deal.

The dispute has renewed calls for greater congressional oversight and threatens cross-border supply chains.

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