Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

U.S. Tariffs on Canada Will Affect Alcohol, Cement, and Consumer Goods

According to Experts.news, on July 20, U.S. President Donald Trump signed three executive orders imposing additional 50% tariffs on certain goods from Canada. The new rates are set to take effect on August 19, 2026, and will cover Canadian imports worth approximately $20 billion, or about 5.2% of all goods shipped from Canada to the U.S. in 2025.

Washington justifies this decision by citing discrimination against American automobiles, alcoholic beverages, and dairy products in the Canadian market. However, the U.S. tariffs are not limited to these specific goods. The White House has compiled three broad lists of Canadian products intended to exert economic pressure on various sectors of the country.

Which Products Will Be Affected by the Tariffs

The first group includes virtually all major types of Canadian-produced alcoholic beverages: beer, wine, vermouth, cider, other fermented beverages, ethyl alcohol, whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, liqueurs, and other spirits. The tariff will be levied in addition to standard customs duties.

The alcohol proclamation is a response to the decision by most Canadian provinces to halt the purchase and sale of American alcohol. According to the White House, imports of alcoholic beverages from the U.S. to Canada fell by 81% between March 2025 and February 2026—from $718 million to $137 million.

The second group covers dairy products and ingredients for the food industry. The list includes dry and concentrated milk, cream, whey, lactose, milk proteins, casein, and certain mixtures based on dairy components. These products are used not only in retail but also in the production of confectionery, baby food, sports nutrition, baked goods, and ready-to-eat food mixes.

Washington cites Canada’s tariff quota system for cheese as the reason for this decision. The U.S. argues that the terms of access for American suppliers to the Canadian market are less favorable than those granted to European Union producers under the CETA agreement.

The third and broadest list includes products not directly related to the automotive sector. Among them are cement, seeds and planting material, flowers, honey, certain food ingredients, essential oils, cosmetics, plastic products, packaging, paper products, wood panels, and furniture.

The list also includes clothing, textiles, footwear, leather goods, headwear, wigs, tools, fishing rods, swimming pools, and some sports equipment, including hockey sticks and other hockey gear.

Thus, the U.S. measures could affect both large industrial enterprises and small manufacturers of wine, furniture, clothing, cosmetics, sporting goods, and gardening products.

Which goods will not be subject to the new measures

The White House has excluded Canadian energy products, potash fertilizers, fish, and critical minerals from the new regime. Goods already subject to U.S. Section 232 sector-specific tariffs—including many types of steel, aluminum, copper, wood, cars, trucks, and pharmaceutical products—will not be subject to additional tariffs.

This limits the immediate scope of the decision. The U.S. is not imposing a 50% tariff on all Canadian imports, as a sharp rise in the prices of oil, gas, electricity, fertilizers, and industrial metals would cause serious harm to U.S. companies themselves.

At the same time, the new tariffs even apply to goods that meet the rules of origin under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Previously, such goods could move between the three countries duty-free.

What Will Change for American Consumers

Formally, the tariff is paid by the American company importing the goods. It may require the Canadian supplier to lower the price, partially reduce its own margin, or pass the additional costs on to the buyer.

A 50% tariff does not necessarily mean an automatic 50% increase in the retail price, since the import cost is only part of the final price. However, for goods with a small markup, shipments from Canada may become economically unviable.

The most noticeable price increases may occur in the northern U.S. states, which have close ties to Canadian suppliers. This primarily applies to cement, building materials, furniture, beverages, and certain food products.

Higher tariffs on cement could increase costs for residential and infrastructure construction. Cement is difficult and expensive to transport over long distances, so not all regions will be able to quickly replace Canadian supplies with products from other parts of the world.

In the alcohol sector, some Canadian brands may disappear from U.S. stores and restaurants or move into a higher price category. A similar situation is possible in the hockey equipment market, where Canada is not only a major consumer but also an important manufacturer of specialized products.

What Lies Ahead for Canadian Manufacturers

For Canadian exporters, the U.S. is the primary and closest market. A 50% tariff could lead to a decline in orders, reduced capacity utilization, and pressure on manufacturers’ profits—especially if they are unable to quickly find buyers in other countries.

The most vulnerable will be companies located near the U.S. border and focused primarily on the U.S. market. Small wineries, furniture factories, and manufacturers of clothing and sports equipment will find it more difficult to redirect their products than large international corporations.

Canada will likely try to accelerate the reorientation of its exports toward the European Union, the United Kingdom, Asian countries, and other markets. However, transportation costs, differences in standards, and the need to rebuild distribution networks will limit the speed of this transition.

Who stands to gain from the trade realignment

The market share vacated by Canadian suppliers in the U.S. market could be filled by manufacturers from Mexico, the European Union, Latin America, and Asia.

European, Chilean, Argentine, and Australian companies may gain additional opportunities in the wine market. Manufacturers of clothing, furniture, and consumer goods from Mexico and Asian countries will also be able to increase their shipments to the U.S.

A similar process has already been observed in the Canadian market following restrictions on imports of U.S. alcohol. The White House notes that Canada has increased imports of beverages from the EU, Chile, Japan, Argentina, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.

However, such a shift does not always lower prices. Replacing a nearby Canadian supplier with a more distant producer increases transportation costs and complicates logistics.

The Risk of a New Round of the Trade War

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed a willingness to continue negotiations but emphasized that the trade conflict is already increasing costs for families, particularly in the U.S. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for retaliatory tariffs on a comparable volume of goods should the U.S. measures take effect.

If Ottawa introduces new retaliatory measures, they could target U.S. food products, alcohol, automobiles, industrial equipment, and goods from states that are politically significant to the Trump administration.

The conflict would then begin to affect not only specific product categories but also companies’ investment decisions. Businesses would be more cautious about locating new production facilities on both sides of the border, and inventories of components could increase as a safeguard against further restrictions.

Why This Decision Is Important for Global Trade

The legal basis for the tariffs is particularly significant. Trump invoked Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which allows for the imposition of up to 50% in additional duties against a country that discriminates against U.S. trade. According to Reuters, this is the first known instance of this provision being invoked in nearly a century.

The precedent set allows Washington to use a similar mechanism against other trading partners if their taxes, quotas, licensing requirements, or government procurement practices are deemed discriminatory toward U.S. companies.

This increases uncertainty for global business. Even the existence of a free trade agreement no longer guarantees that goods will be protected from additional U.S. tariffs.

The immediate impact of the new measures on the global economy will be limited, as they cover about $20 billion in imports.

However, the consequences could be significantly greater if Canada responds in kind and the U.S. begins to invoke Section 338 against other countries.

In that case, companies will more actively shift production closer to their main markets, create alternative supply chains, and reduce their dependence on any single country. This could increase trade resilience but, at the same time, raise the cost of goods and fuel inflation.

The new tariffs are not scheduled to take effect until August 19, so Washington and Ottawa have about a month left to negotiate. The ultimate outcome will depend on whether the parties can reach an agreement on automobiles, U.S. alcohol, and access for U.S. dairy producers to the Canadian market.

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Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association supports review of electricity transmission tariffs for NPC “Ukrenergo”

The Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association (UREA) supports the revision of electricity transmission tariffs for NPC “Ukrenergo” and proposes simultaneously launching the practical implementation of a mechanism to protect vulnerable electricity consumers and accelerating the introduction of targeted monetary support for the population.

This is stated in the association’s official letter addressed to the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NEURC) and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, published on Facebook.

“The UAVE emphasizes: the discussion should not be limited solely to the tariff rate. A comprehensive solution is needed—a financially sound tariff must be combined with a gradual reduction of cross-subsidization and the launch of targeted monetary support for vulnerable consumers,” the association stressed.

The UAVE also considers it necessary to work with the Ministry of Social Policy, Ukrenergo, distribution system operators (DSOs), and other stakeholders to develop a data-sharing mechanism for launching targeted monetization of subsidies.

The association asserts that this approach will help maintain the financial stability of the energy sector, preserve social protection for the population, and reduce distortions in the electricity market. The transition to targeted support also aligns with Ukraine’s commitments regarding market liberalization to the EU, the IMF, and other international partners.

In turn, as stated in the association’s appeal to the NEURC and the Ministry of Energy, the UEA supports Ukrenergo’s position on the electricity transmission tariff, as the financial stability of the transmission system operator (TSO) is critical for the reliable operation of the power system, the fulfillment of special obligations, stable settlements between market participants, and the restoration of energy infrastructure.

The association cited Ukrenergo data, according to which the projected volume of electricity transmission in 2026 will be approximately 89.6 million MWh, which is significantly lower than the figure used when setting the current tariff. At the same time, costs to cover transmission losses have increased, the configuration of power grids is changing, and the volumes of electricity imports and long-distance transmission are growing—a situation that, against the backdrop of ongoing damage to energy infrastructure, requires significant financial investment.

“Trends such as the accumulation of debt among market participants, deteriorating payment discipline, reduced opportunities for the restoration and development of grid infrastructure, and a decline in the investment attractiveness of the energy sector—all in the absence of a source to cover the TSO’s costs—will intensify,” the UAVE emphasized.

At the same time, as the association noted, amid systematic attacks on energy infrastructure, the development of distributed generation, renewable energy sources (RES), and energy storage systems has become one of the key elements of energy security, as these facilities provide additional stability to the power system, increase its flexibility and maneuverability, and reduce the risk of shortages.

“Therefore, ensuring timely and predictable payments to renewable energy producers is not only a matter of fulfilling financial obligations but also a crucial factor in the further development of Ukraine’s energy resilience,” the UAVE concluded.

As reported, the NEURC proposes setting the tariff for NPC “Ukrenergo” for electricity transmission at 903.53 UAH/MWh (excluding VAT) effective July 1, 2026, which is 21.62% higher than the current rate.

It is noted that the updated tariff component for Ukrenergo’s special obligations regarding payment for electricity from alternative sources amounts to 367.56 UAH/MWh within the transmission tariff structure.

Accordingly, it is proposed to increase the dispatch tariff by 7.83% to 118.64 UAH/MWh.

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Railways and road transport changing balance in Ukraine’s export logistics

Ukraine’s export logistics entered 2026 in a new configuration, where Ukrzaliznytsia’s transition to a fixed tariff for grain car rental reduced cost volatility, according to the information and analytical agency UkrAgroConsult.

According to analysts, the main cargo flows are currently concentrated in the direction of the ports of Greater Odessa, where terminal utilization has stabilized at 50%. In early February, the number of grain cars heading for ports exceeded 9,000 units, which is associated with the active fulfillment of contracts and the need for working capital for farmers before spring field work.

“The dynamics of grain car traffic demonstrates continued pressure on infrastructure capacity. This situation indicates a resumption of activity by exporters, but at the same time leaves minimal margin for the logistics system,” experts noted.

The agency noted a shift in the competitive balance between modes of transport: railways retain a key role in mass shipments, while road transport is increasing its share due to faster turnover.

“This model of coexistence will become a long-term reality for Ukrainian exports,” UkrAgroConsult predicts.

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Trump announced increase in US tariffs on imports from South Korea from 15% to 25%

US President Donald Trump announced his intention to raise tariffs on a number of goods from South Korea from 15% to 25%, linking this decision to the fact that, according to him, the country’s parliament had failed to fulfill its obligations under a previously agreed trade agreement. According to Reuters, Trump wrote on social media that the increased rates would apply to South Korean cars, lumber, pharmaceuticals, and other goods subject to “reciprocal tariffs.” However, the report did not specify when the increase would take effect.

The South Korean authorities were taken by surprise by the announcement and declared their commitment to implementing the agreements; emergency consultations were held in Seoul, and relevant officials are preparing to contact the American side.

Against the backdrop of the news, South Korea’s KOSPI index fell during trading, then reversed and closed higher, while the won weakened. Hyundai Motor and Kia shares ended the session lower after a more noticeable decline during the day.

We remind you that under the agreement reached in 2025, the tariff on imports of Korean cars and auto components to the US was previously reduced to 15% from 25% and came into effect on November 1

 

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Trump punishes opponents of Greenland annexation with tariffs

US President Donald Trump has announced the introduction of 10% tariffs against Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland from February 1, Clash Report reports.
“Starting February 1, 2026, all of the above countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland) will be subject to a 10% tariff on all goods shipped to the United States of America. On June 1, 2026, the tariff will be increased to 25%,” he wrote on the social network Truth Social.
Trump noted that these countries are directly opposing US attempts to take over Greenland.
“These tariffs will be assessed and payable until an agreement is reached on the complete and absolute purchase of Greenland,” he added.

 

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Beijing considers Trump’s tariff threats mistake

Beijing urges Washington to adhere to previously reached consensuses and considers President Donald Trump’s threats of new tariffs a mistake, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.

“China urges the United States to immediately reconsider its mistaken actions, adhere to the important consensuses reached during telephone conversations between the two heads of state, safeguard the hard-won results of consultations, and continue to use the mechanism of China–US trade and economic consultations,” the statement published on the ministry’s website said.

Beijing emphasized that it stands for resolving differences through dialogue, and if Washington insists “on the wrong path,” China will take measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.

“Deliberate threats of high tariffs are the wrong way to build relations with China,” the ministry stressed. The agency also noted that US statements about possible new tariffs are an example of double standards.

On Saturday night, Trump announced that he intends, starting November 1, “or maybe even earlier,” to impose additional 100% tariffs on goods imported from China.

“Starting November 1, or perhaps earlier, depending on China’s actions, the United States will impose 100% tariffs in addition to the existing ones. In addition, starting November 1, we will implement export control measures for any vital software,” he wrote on Truth Social.

Trump explained that he made this decision because China “declared that starting November 1 it would implement serious export control measures on almost all products manufactured in the PRC.” “This will affect all countries and is clearly a plan that China has been preparing for years,” the US president said.

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