Trump delays 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods

U.S. President Donald Trump has delayed the introduction of new 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods for three days, saying the United States and Canada have reached a tentative agreement.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Wednesday, Trump said the two countries now have “no tariffs going into Canada anymore,” while claiming Canada had previously imposed “tremendous tariffs” on U.S. goods.

Asked whether the United States would reduce tariffs on Canadian automobiles, Trump said the country was “reducing it a little bit.”

Trump described the new agreement as a “great” deal for American farmers and said it was a “very good deal for both parties.”

The president also suggested that the Keystone XL pipeline could be revived, saying it “may be awoken from the grave.” The pipeline project, which was cancelled under previous U.S. policy, has long been a major issue in Canada-U.S. energy relations.

Details of the tentative agreement have not yet been released. The three-day delay is expected to give negotiators additional time to finalize the terms and determine the future of the threatened tariffs.