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Reciprocity (Plain-Language Summary)
Reciprocity was a free trade deal between the United States and Canada. (Reciprocity is when both sides give and receive.) The deal reduced import duties and tariffs on certain goods traded between the two countries. It was in effect from 1854 to 1866. It was at times a source of great controversy in both countries. It was replaced in 1878 by the National Policy. It was a more protectionist policy. It imposed tariffs on imported goods. This shielded manufacturers in Canada from US competition. A more limited reciprocity deal was reached in 1935. It ended in 1948 after both countries signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). This article is a plain-language summary of Reciprocity. If you would like to read about this topic in more depth, please see our full-length entry: Reciprocity.