Canada remains ‘exempt’ from Trump’s 10% global reciprocal duty

What’s happening?
After conflicting reports, Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. confirmed the country is still “exempt” from the 10-per-cent global reciprocal duty that President Donald Trump announced on “Liberation Day.”
Scott Bessent, Trump’s treasury secretary, created confusion on April 9 when he told reporters outside the White House that Canadian imports would also be subject to the blanket levy.
The clarification comes as the president authorized a 90-day pause on “some” reciprocal duties and hiked levies on Chinese goods.
NEW TRUTH SOCIAL FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP:
🇨🇳125% TARIFF ON CHINA
🌎90-DAY PAUSE & LOWERED 10% RECIPROCAL TARIFF FOR OTHER COUNTRIES🚨EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY pic.twitter.com/Gt5Bd6276m
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 9, 2025
SEE ALSO
• U.S. trade war could cost Canada 160K jobs in Q2 2025, report warns
• Canada unveils suite of business relief measures amid U.S. trade war
• What’s Ontario doing to support businesses amid sweeping U.S. duties?
Canadians concerned about widespread layoffs
Sweeping U.S. duties have already led to substantial workforce reductions across Canada.
🚨 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! Check out our comprehensive blog on how U.S. tariffs could affect non-unionized employees in Canada. You can also use our free Pocket Employment Lawyer to get real-time insights on your workplace rights.
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SEE ALSO
• Should I negotiate my own severance package in Ontario?
• What Albertans need to know about negotiating severance
• Negotiating severance in B.C.: What employees need to know
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