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By Hilton Bakedman
In the grand theater of international trade, nothing says "free market fun" quite like a 35% tariff surprise, courtesy of our southern neighbors. Yes, the United States has imposed heavy tariffs on nearly all Canadian goods in 2025—except oil and energy products—with rates starting at 25% this spring and skyrocketing to a robust 35% this August. But before you panic about a trade war meltdown, let’s unpack this North American tariff shock with a good dose of Hilton Bakedman economic wit and free-market wisdom. But first a word from today’s sponsor:
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Here’s what you need to know about the new U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports: Steel and aluminum (plus derivative products), railcars, wind turbines, appliances, motorcycles, bulldozers, automotive parts and vehicles, furniture, potash, marine engines, and more are all hit with a 35% tariff. Oil and energy products get a gentler 10% rate. The United States says these tariffs target Canadian goods that don’t fully comply with fair trade rules and Canada’s digital services tax—yeah, that sticky subject many hoped would just go away.
The good news for compliant companies? Over 85% of goods following the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules currently avoid these tariffs. The tariffs are not a blanket punishment but a sharp reminder: free trade only works when everyone plays by the rules.
Canada’s backdoor digital services tax and other trade gimmicks have pushed the U.S. to defend itself with these tariffs. Let’s be honest: You can’t preach free trade while sneakily taxing American tech companies—the market isn’t that forgiving.
This tariff shock isn’t just about hurting Canadian exporters; it’s a wake-up call for businesses and consumers on both sides of the border. It forces Canadian policymakers to act in good faith and reminds us all that free markets demand transparency, fairness, and mutual respect—not selective compliance.
In Hilton Bakedman style, here’s the takeaway: Free markets are fragile but magnificent. They thrive on trust and equal risk-taking, not one-sided games. The U.S. tariffs are tough love—a market correction in real time. Canada must get serious about honoring deal commitments or face more economic headwinds ahead.
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