Washington, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Five Democratic US senators have criticised President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs on Canadian products, accusing his administration of deepening a “pointless trade war” that could raise prices, hurt American businesses and push Canada towards stronger trade ties with countries including China.
The criticism followed Trump’s decision to impose new restrictions on Canadian products after Ottawa introduced retaliatory tariffs covering about $20 billion worth of US exports. The White House said Canada’s measures targeted American steel, dairy and agricultural equipment.
Senators Amy Klobuchar, Chris Coons, Patty Murray, Jeanne Shaheen and Elissa Slotkin said their states depend heavily on trade with Canada, describing the country as a key trading partner and their primary export market.
The lawmakers warned that the tariffs would put additional pressure on small businesses, farmers, manufacturers and consumers, raising the cost of lumber, plywood and construction equipment used for housing projects.
They also said workers and companies involved in automobile, aircraft and machinery manufacturing could be affected, while consumers could face higher prices for products including milk, clothing and paper.
The senators claimed Trump’s tariffs had already cost American families as much as $5,000 in some states, although their statement did not provide the methodology behind the estimate.
They further warned that prolonged trade tensions could encourage Canada and other US trading partners to diversify away from American markets and strengthen commercial ties with China.
The White House said Trump had signed five proclamations under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in response to what it described as Canada’s “additional retaliation and continued discriminatory treatment of crucial American exports”.
The measures ban certain Canadian alcoholic beverages, dairy products and other goods already subject to 50 per cent tariffs. The import bans are scheduled to take effect on September 29.
The administration also removed products such as rock salt and cement from the tariffs while adding other goods, including all-terrain vehicles and additional dairy products. Those changes will take effect on September 15.
The White House said the measures would apply even to covered goods originating under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), arguing that the action was necessary to protect American farmers, manufacturers and workers.
Klobuchar is a lead sponsor of legislation seeking to revoke the latest global tariffs as well as the 50 per cent tariffs on Canada. She has also introduced the Trade Review Act with Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell, which would require congressional approval of new tariffs within 60 days.
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