Trump Delays Tariffs on Canada Amid Trade Deal Negotiations
By Editor • August 19, 2026 • 1 min read
In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump announced a three-day delay on new tariffs targeting Canadian imports, originally set to roll out imminently. In a post on social media, Trump stated, "I have paused the 50% Tariffs against Canada… based on the fact that Canada and the U.S.A., subject to the finalization of documents, have a DEAL!" This announcement comes just hours before the tariffs were due to take effect on nearly $20 billion worth of goods.
The trade talks between the U.S. and Canada have been intensifying, particularly after Trump’s earlier threats to impose tariffs, which included a deadline of August 19. The negotiations have faced hurdles, including U.S. tariffs on automobiles and Canada's prohibition on U.S. liquor sales. Trump indicated that a finalized trade deal could potentially revive the contentious Keystone XL pipeline project, which has faced opposition from environmentalists and was halted by previous administrations.
As both nations strive to finalize an agreement, the prospect of reduced tariffs on Canadian autos—from 25% to 15%—is on the table, though disagreements remain on eligibility criteria. Meanwhile, Canadian Premier Doug Ford has expressed a willingness to reconsider the liquor sales ban if a satisfactory deal emerges. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has also voiced concerns, emphasizing that heightened tariffs could harm both economies and jeopardize millions of American jobs reliant on trade.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
