Advertisement

Facing threat of tariffs from Canada, U.S. Congress set to vote on disputed law

Steaks and other beef products are displayed for sale at a grocery store in McLean, Va., in this Jan. 18, 2010 file photo. House Republicans are hoping to repeal a law requiring country-of-origin labels on packages of meat to avoid costly trade retaliation from Canada and Mexico.
Steaks and other beef products are displayed for sale at a grocery store in McLean, Va., in this Jan. 18, 2010 file photo. House Republicans are hoping to repeal a law requiring country-of-origin labels on packages of meat to avoid costly trade retaliation from Canada and Mexico. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/J. Scott Applewhite

WASHINGTON – The United States Congress could take a big step back tonight from a potential trade war with Canada.

A law at the heart of a cross-border dispute faces a key vote in the House of Representatives and, if it’s adopted there as expected, it would face a final test in the Senate.

READ MORE: Canada wants $3 billion tariffs on U.S. goods as trade war escalates

The legislation would repeal a requirement for country-of-origin labels for meat, mandatory grocery stickers explaining where livestock was born, raised and slaughtered.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Label defenders say consumers deserve to know where their meat comes from, while opponents say it’s just protectionism, complicating imports without any food-safety or inspection benefits.

WATCH: Canada may retaliate over long-running meat labeling dispute

The World Trade Organization sided with Canada and Mexico against the labelling and Canada has applied to impose US$3 billion in retaliatory tariffs on a range of American products.

Story continues below advertisement

Congress is now weighing the repeal, to avoid tariffs that could kick in as early as this year on products like U.S. wine, meat, chocolate and frozen orange juice.

Sponsored content

AdChoices