United States and Canada move toward finalizing trade agreement

The United States and Canada announced on August 19 that they are close to a new trade deal. President Trump had threatened to put 50 percent tariffs on around $30 billion of Canadian goods. He paused those tariffs for three days to allow more time for talks. Trump said the two countries had reached "a deal," but Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was more careful, saying they were "moving towards an agreement." Trade officials from both sides met for 45 minutes and reported good progress. Under the expected deal, tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum would fall from 50 percent to 25 percent. Canadian officials hoped to finish the agreement by August 22. The deal would also involve changes to how provinces sell American alcohol.