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Trump delays 50% Canadian tariffs following talks with PM Carney

The United States has postponed planned tariffs on Canadian goods for three days following urgent negotiations between President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The reprieve comes just hours before the duties were scheduled to take effect.

LSN Malaysia · 19 August 2026

Trump delays 50% Canadian tariffs following talks with PM Carney

President Trump announced a temporary pause on planned 50% tariffs against Canadian imports on Tuesday, providing a brief window for diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Ottawa. The delay came after urgent talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, averting what would have been a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two nations.

The three-day postponement halts the implementation of tariffs that were set to commence on Tuesday evening, giving both governments time to pursue negotiations aimed at resolving the underlying trade dispute. The timing of the announcement underscores the urgency with which Canadian officials approached the negotiations, with talks occurring just hours before the tariff deadline.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney's negotiations with the Trump administration reflect Ottawa's efforts to protect Canadian economic interests amid broader trade friction between the United States and its trading partners. The temporary reprieve provides a critical opportunity for both sides to explore potential compromises and avoid the economic disruption that the tariffs would otherwise cause.

The outcome of negotiations during this three-day window will likely determine whether the tariffs proceed as planned or whether a longer-term trade agreement can be reached. Both nations face pressure to find a resolution that addresses underlying trade concerns while minimizing economic damage to cross-border commerce.