# Canada-U.S. trade tariff dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/canada-us-trade-tariff-dispute
> Updated: 2026-08-24T17:49:35.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The trade relationship between Canada and the United States has entered a period of significant tension following threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose up to 50% tariffs on various Canadian goods. Initially, these threats created economic uncertainty for exporters in regions such as New Brunswick, where sectors like wood, paper, food, and alcohol faced potential annual losses of approximately $112 million.

By late August, the U.S. administration proceeded with the imposition of 50% duties on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. In response, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt announced that the province would maintain electricity exports to Maine, characterizing a total cutoff as an “extremely serious measure.” This position differs from other Canadian provinces, such as Ontario, which have considered halting power exports.

To manage the economic fallout, New Brunswick is collaborating with Prime Minister Mark Carney on retaliatory strategies designed to impact the U.S. while minimizing domestic damage. The provincial government is also considering increasing a $13.7-million joint provincial-federal tariff relief fund to support affected industries and workers.

## Claims

- New Brunswick will not stop supplying electricity to Maine due to the trade war. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The U.S. administration imposed 50 per cent duties on $28 billion worth of Canadian products. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The provincial government is considering topping up a $13.7-million joint provincial-federal tariff relief fund. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Ontario could cut off its province’s power exports to the U.S. entirely. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- New Brunswick exports to the U.S. will be impacted by approximately $112 million. (single source)
- Approximately 500 jobs in New Brunswick could be threatened by the new tariffs. (single source)
- Canada is planning dollar-for-dollar tariffs in response to U.S. levies. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: New Brunswick to maintain electricity exports to Maine amid trade war

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt confirmed the province will maintain electricity exports to Maine amid a Canada-U.S. trade war, despite potential risks to 500 jobs and $112 million in exports.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-brunswick-to-maintain-electricity-exports-to-maine-amid-trade-war

### 2026-07-28: US tariff threats spur export support in New Brunswick and New South Wales

US tariff threats could cut $112 million from New Brunswick exports, prompting NSW to launch new export‑support programs for SMEs across multiple sectors.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-tariff-threats-spur-export-support-in-new-brunswick-and-new-south-wales

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Cite as: Canada-U.S. trade tariff dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/canada-us-trade-tariff-dispute