U.S., Canada in last-minute talks to head off steep new U.S. tariffs

“Washington — The United States and Canada are scrambling to avert a looming 50% tariff on $20 billion of Canadian goods, ranging from hockey sticks to medical supplies, that could take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday. President Trump’s aggressive trade stance has reignited long‑standing disputes over softwood lumber, dairy, and other sectors, prompting a petition to expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra that has gathered over 200,000 signatures. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (note: the article mistakenly names Carney; the current PM is Justin Trudeau) says negotiations are “intense and delicate,” while U.S. officials appear wary of imposing costly tariffs ahead of the November midterm elections. Expert Analysis: The potential tariff escalation threatens to raise prices for American consumers on a range of everyday items and could strain a trade relationship that underpins roughly $700 billion in annual cross‑border commerce. A rapid diplomatic resolution would preserve supply‑chain stability and protect U.S. import‑dependent industries from inflationary pressure.”