Canada removes seafood from U.S. counter-tariff list as trade tensions continue

Canada has removed fish and seafood products from the list of U.S. imports that will face new Canadian counter-tariffs, citing feedback from Canadian industries and concerns about potential economic harm.

According to the Department of Finance Canada, the government made the adjustment after reviewing feedback from Canadian businesses and industries. The broader counter-tariff measures are scheduled to take effect Sept. 8.

The change comes as Canada responds to new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Ottawa announced countermeasures covering about $20 billion worth of U.S. imports, with tariffs of up to 50 per cent on some products. The government says it will continue assessing the impact of the measures on Canadian industries.

The trade dispute has also involved Canadian French-language and cultural policies. Prime Minister Mark Carney said last week that Canada would not compromise on protections for the French language and Canadian culture, and announced the suspension of trade negotiations with the United States.

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Canada welcomed indications that Washington had moved away from its previous position on issues involving French-language protections and Canadian cultural policies. He said Ottawa hopes the United States will take a similar approach on remaining issues as the two countries work toward a potential trade agreement.