Trump delays Canadian tariffs for three days to finalize trade deal

President Trump paused new tariffs on Canadian goods on August 18, 2026, hours before they were due to start. The tariffs would have added a 50% tax on about $20 billion of imports from Canada. Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social less than two hours before the midnight deadline. The pause lasts three days, giving both countries until August 22 to finish a trade deal. The goods affected include cars, dairy products, alcohol, clothing, and hockey equipment. Trump also mentioned the Keystone XL oil pipeline, suggesting it could be restarted. He and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke urgently earlier in the week. Trade negotiators have been working intensively since July. The pause is conditional on both sides completing the necessary deal documents.