Washington, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
US President Donald Trump has delayed the imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian goods by three days, saying Washington and Ottawa were close to reaching an agreement that could also lead to lower duties on Canadian steel and aluminium.
“We delayed it for three days because I think we have a deal with the Prime Minister and a good deal for everybody,” Trump said at the White House.
The tariff was originally scheduled to take effect at 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Trump said the delay was granted at Canada’s request to provide additional time to finalise the details of a potential agreement.
“It was supposed to be a 50 per cent straight across the board tariff that was going into effect at 7:00 this morning, and I delayed it at the request of Canada for three days so we can iron out the details,” he said.
Trump did not name the Canadian Prime Minister or disclose the specific terms being negotiated, but indicated that agriculture, steel and aluminium were among the issues under discussion.
Asked whether Washington could reduce tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, Trump said, “Well, we’re looking at that.”
He suggested Canada could eventually face tariff rates comparable to those imposed on other US trading partners, noting that Ottawa had previously faced higher duties.
“We may bring some of the tariffs down to a level where other countries are because Canada was paying a higher tariff,” Trump said.
The President also claimed that American farmers had been adversely affected by Canadian trade practices and said the anticipated agreement would provide relief.
“Farmers have been hurt very badly by Canada, and they won’t be paying any tariffs anymore,” he said, without clarifying whether he was referring to tariff-free access for US agricultural exports into Canada or another form of relief.
Trump maintained that relations with the current Canadian leadership remained positive despite the trade dispute.
The announcement came during a White House event attended by senior US regulators and executives from the finance, cryptocurrency and technology sectors, where Trump was discussing artificial intelligence and investment.
He also claimed that automobile manufacturers were shifting operations to the US from Canada and Mexico.
Canada and the US have one of the world’s largest bilateral trading relationships, with deeply integrated automotive, agricultural and energy supply chains. Steel and aluminium have remained recurring sources of trade friction between the two neighbours.
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