OTTAWA — Canada and the United States are entering the final hours before a major U.S. tariff deadline, with Washington set to impose 50% duties on a range of Canadian goods beginning just after midnight Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the tariffs for Aug. 19. The measures would affect a broad selection of products, ranging from cement to hockey sticks.
With less than 24 hours remaining before the deadline, Canadian officials are continuing efforts to reach an agreement that could prevent or limit the impact of the new duties.
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and chief trade negotiator Janice Charette have been in Washington since last week. On Monday, they held discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Carney prepares for final talks with Trump
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that he expects to speak directly with Trump before the Wednesday deadline.
Carney also indicated that the federal government is preparing for multiple possible outcomes, saying Ottawa has a plan that “will cover all eventualities” if the new tariffs come into force.
The prime minister characterized the ongoing negotiations as particularly challenging, describing the discussions as both “very intense and delicate.”
The final hours of negotiations will therefore be critical for Canadian exporters and businesses facing the prospect of significantly higher costs for access to the U.S. market.
As officials continue talks in Washington, Canadian companies and industries are awaiting clarity on whether the 50% tariffs will ultimately take effect as scheduled or whether a last-minute agreement can alter the course of the trade dispute.
