Skip to main content

Featured

Canada's Inflation Jumps to 2.4% in March — And Your Grocery and Gas Bills Show It

Canada's annual inflation rate climbed to 2.4% in March 2026 , up sharply from 1.8% in February, according to Statistics Canada data released Monday. The jump was driven almost entirely by soaring energy prices tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict and its disruption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz — and Canadians felt it directly at the gas pump and grocery store. Headline CPI (March) 2.4% ▲ Up from 1.8% in February Gasoline (monthly) +21.2% Largest monthly jump on record Grocery prices (year/year) +4.4% Up from 4.1% in February Core CPI (ex-gas) 2.2% Milder than expected Gas was the main culprit Gasoline prices surged a record 21.2% month over month in March — the largest single-month jump ever recorded in Canada — as the U.S.-Iran conflict choked off roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. On a year-...

article

New Trade Clock: U.S. to Launch Canadian Tariffs Feb. 1 with Energy Levies Set for Mid-February

In a recent announcement, President Donald Trump outlined a fresh timetable for imposing tariffs on Canadian imports. According to the statement, standard tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods are slated to begin on February 1. In a move aimed at tempering potential disruptions in the energy sector, Trump indicated that targeted levies on oil and gas products might be introduced around February 18, likely at a lower rate—around 10%—compared to the 25% tariff planned for most other products.

This staggered approach appears designed to address long-standing trade imbalances and border security issues while minimizing the shock to energy prices for American consumers. By delaying the energy-specific tariffs, the administration may be seeking additional time for negotiations with Canadian officials, who have already warned that retaliatory measures could follow if the tariffs are fully implemented.

Market analysts view the phased implementation as both a negotiation tactic and a means of reducing the immediate economic impact on sensitive sectors. Investors are now keeping a close watch on developments as uncertainty over these measures continues to influence market sentiment, with concerns over inflation and supply chain disruptions remaining high.


Comments