US Tariff Policy

Canada has scrapped a joint celebration with the United States for the new Gordie Howe International Bridge after President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods, escalating trade tensions between the allies.

A spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson called a joint event inappropriate given the US trade actions. Canada will hold its own ceremony on July 24, while the $4.4 billion bridge remains on track to open to traffic on July 27. Trump, who accused Canada of unfair trade practices in automobiles, alcohol and dairy, had earlier this year demanded half ownership of the Canadian-financed span.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada believes in free trade and is prepared to negotiate, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged retaliatory tariffs if the US measures proceed.

The United States will maintain zero tariffs on all imported generic medicines for a two-year grace period starting Aug. 1, 2026, before imposing a 100% duty from August 2028 and doubling it to 200% the following year, President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform.

The policy is designed to force generic drug manufacturing back to the United States by penalizing companies that fail to build domestic production facilities within the two-year window. Trump said the buffer period gives manufacturers time to relocate supply chains before the punitive tariffs take effect.

The tariff escalation represents one of the most aggressive trade measures targeting the pharmaceutical sector, with the 200% rate effectively pricing most foreign-made generics out of the U.S. market after 2029.

U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to impose new tariffs on imports from up to 60 countries this week, as a temporary global 10% duty on all imports is set to expire Friday. The proposed levies, ranging between 10% and 12.5%, are tied to a U.S. investigation into forced labor practices. Among the countries covered by the probe are the European Union, China, Japan, India, Mexico and several Southeast Asian nations.

The broader action follows Trump's decision Monday to sign proclamations imposing a 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods, from wine to cement, taking effect in about a month. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government has submitted detailed proposals to resolve the dispute, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged retaliation. Trump has also hit Brazilian imports with a 25% tariff.

Advisers have warned Trump that the tariff escalation risks an economic shock ahead of the midterm elections. The U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year struck down a portion of Trump's reciprocal tariffs introduced in April 2025.

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on July 20 creating a tariff incentive program for aluminium smelters that rewards companies investing in domestic production capacity with reduced import duties.

Under the plan, companies that invest in new, expanded, or refurbished smelters for primary aluminium will see tariffs cut from 50 percent to 25 percent. Approved projects must begin construction by January 20, 2029, and once facilities are completed, companies may import a corresponding share of annual output at the reduced rate. The Commerce Department will review investment amounts and production projections before granting approval, and may revoke benefits retroactively if firms fail to meet commitments or misrepresent their plans.

Trump raised steel and aluminium import tariffs to 50 percent in June 2025. Primary aluminium is considered critical to the US defense industrial base, underpinning production of armoured vehicles, naval vessels, spacecraft, and missiles.

The United States is imposing additional 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian imports after President Donald Trump signed three proclamations targeting products including wine, hockey sticks, and cement. The White House justified the measures by citing Canada's discriminatory treatment of American automobiles, dairy products, and alcohol.

The tariffs are being applied under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and will take effect 30 days after the signings, on 19 August. Energy, potash, critical minerals, and goods already subject to sector-specific tariffs will be exempt from the new duties.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney signaled willingness to engage in talks in response to the announcement. The measures escalate trade tensions between the neighbouring countries as Washington seeks leverage over longstanding disputes in agriculture and manufacturing.

President Donald Trump has signed orders imposing 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods, set to take effect in 30 days, after threatening to add pollution costs to existing tariffs on July 17. Trump told Prime Minister Mark Carney during Sunday's World Cup final to get the blazes under control.

Carney, who mobilized more than 5,000 firefighters and nearly 300 aircraft, said fighting climate change is the responsibility of all countries, including the United States. Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Trump to send support rather than complain, noting that one major fire originated in Minnesota.

As of Sunday, 843 fires were active across Canada, with more than 900 currently burning and 28,000 sq km scorched. In Ontario, 190 active fires have forced 1,800 evacuations, while 22 large fires burn in Washington and Oregon, sending smoke into British Columbia.