Trump slaps additional 50% tariffs on Canadian dairy, alcohol, construction materials and more — a direct hit to NY's largest trading partner
Trump signed three Section 338 proclamations Monday (Jul 20) imposing additional 50% tariffs on wide categories of Canadian imports — dairy, alcohol, food, construction materials, clothing, furniture, tech and car parts — effective in 30 days, citing Canadian retaliation incl. provincial halts on U.S. alcohol sales. Applies even to USMCA-covered goods; energy, potash and critical minerals exempt. Race relevance: Canada is New York's largest trading partner; Hochul's own budget office has documented tariff damage to NY manufacturers and a 21% drop in Canadian border crossings, and affordability is the campaign's central fight. Hochul responded Monday on X: "Only Donald Trump could see wildfire smoke and decide the answer is more tariffs" (https://x.com/GovKathyHochul/status/2079334820019151350) — a reference to Trump also asking aides to explore further tariffs over Canadian wildfire smoke (per AP/NPR, Jul 21). No Blakeman response found as of Jul 21 evening.