OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that the United States has agreed to postpone implementation of a 50 per cent tariff on a range of Canadian goods for another two days.
The new deadline is the end of day, Aug. 21, according to the statement from the Prime Minister's office late Tuesday night.
The full statement from Prime Minister Carney is as follows:
“Over the last number of weeks, Canada has engaged in intensive discussions with the United States to address outstanding trade issues and deliver greater certainty and real benefits for Canadian businesses, workers, farmers, and families.
"Substantial progress has been made, although there is important work still to be done. As this work is ongoing, the United States has agreed to postpone the implementation of its 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods under Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930 until end of day, August 21.
"While we continue this work, Canada remains focused on building a stronger, more independent, and more competitive economy at home.”
Earlier, President Donald Trump confirmed in a post on Truth Social that the tariffs had been paused, indicating a likely deal is in the works between the two countries.
“I have paused the 50% Tariffs against Canada, that were scheduled to kick in tomorrow morning for a three day period, based on the fact that Canada and the U.S.A., subject to the finalization of documents, have a DEAL! The great Keystone XL Pipeline, long ago killed by Sleepy Joe Biden, may be awoken from the grave! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP”
On the X platform, the Office of the United States Trade Representative posted: "Congratulations Mr. President. The deal will include comprehensive market access for all American goods, economic security commitments, digital trade alignment, and many important provisions that will continue to protect our market and American workers, along with our Canadian partners."
The 50 per cent tariff would have applied to a number of Canadian imports under Section 338 covering products ranging from wine to hockey sticks to cement. According to the White House these would have applied to all covered goods, regardless of whether a good originates under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
