Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today: Tariffs, a CPI Surprise, and the Mortgage Rate Gap

  July 21, 2026 A new round of US tariffs, a surprise inflation dip, and a widening gap between fixed and variable mortgage rates are all moving in different directions today. Here's what's happening and what it means for your money. 1. Washington hits Canada with new 50% tariffs on everyday goods The White House has announced fresh 50% tariffs on a wide list of Canadian exports, including wine, dairy, furniture, hockey equipment, cement, and clothing. The move is framed as retaliation over Canada's dairy quotas, car import rules, and provincial bans on US alcohol. The tariffs take effect August 19 and apply even to goods that would normally qualify duty-free under CUSMA, though energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals are exempt. What it means for you: This round targets export industries, not imports into Canada, so it won't directly raise shelf prices here the way a Canadian tariff on US goods would. The bigger risk is indirect — job pressure in affected sectors ...

article

China Retaliates Against U.S. Tariffs with Agricultural Countermeasures

 

In a significant escalation of trade tensions, China has announced retaliatory tariffs on a range of U.S. agricultural products. This move comes in response to the United States' decision to increase tariffs on Chinese imports. The newly imposed Chinese tariffs, set to take effect on March 10, will target key American exports, including soybeans, pork, beef, and poultry, with additional duties ranging from 10% to 15%.

The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of U.S. exports to China, is expected to feel the brunt of these measures. Soybeans, the largest U.S. agricultural export to China, will face a 10% tariff, potentially disrupting a trade flow valued at nearly $13 billion annually. Other affected products include wheat, corn, cotton, and various dairy and seafood items.

China's actions highlight its strategic approach to diversifying its agricultural imports, with increased reliance on suppliers from South America and other regions. This development underscores the growing economic friction between the world's two largest economies, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.


Comments