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Canada and US in Last-Minute Talks to Avert 50% Tariffs Before Wednesday Deadline

economy-finance · 2026-08-18

Hours before a midnight deadline, Canada and the United States are engaged in urgent negotiations to prevent 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. The tariffs are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Auto tariffs have emerged as a central sticking point in the talks, with both sides scrambling to reach a last-minute agreement. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the punitive trade measures are implemented or suspended. The high-stakes negotiations highlight the fragility of cross-border trade relations and the potential economic impact on both nations if the deadline passes without a deal.

Key facts

  • Canada and the US are in last-minute talks to avoid 50% tariffs.
  • The tariffs apply to roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods.
  • The tariffs would take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.
  • Auto tariffs are a central obstacle in the negotiations.
  • The negotiations are happening between Canada and the United States.

Entities

Locations

  • Canada
  • United States

Sources