International News: New 50% US tariffs on Canadian goods set to take effect at midnight

By Zoila Palma:  New US tariffs of up to 50 percent on certain Canadian goods are scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 19, 2026, as US and Canadian officials continue last-minute negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke earlier this week but failed to reach a breakthrough, while Canadian negotiators remained in Washington for further discussions.

The proposed tariffs target a range of Canadian products amid US complaints over Canadian trade practices involving automobiles, alcohol and dairy products, Yahoo reports.

However, the immediate economic impact could be limited because only about 5 percent of Canadian goods imported by the United States last year would be subject to the new duties. An analysis by Veda Partners estimated that the average tariff rate on Canadian exports to the US would increase from 4.68 percent to 6.27 percent.

Negotiations have focused on possible concessions, including the United States reducing tariffs on Canadian metals, lumber and auto components in exchange for greater Canadian access for US products, including dairy and alcoholic beverages.

Canadian officials have expressed cautious optimism about reaching an agreement, although the auto sector remains a major sticking point.

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