United States President Donald Trump’s trade czar is downplaying the impacts of the new tariffs that took effect over the weekend, even as Trump himself moved to escalate the trade war.
Today Trump posted on social media that he also intends to double tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto parts to 50 per cent on Jan. 1.
That comes after trade talks between Canada and the U.S. fell apart Friday, triggering a 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on a host of Canadian goods.
United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC today that Canadians wanted more than the Trump administration was willing to offer.
The breakdown of trade negotiations received mixed reactions from American politicians, with Democrats condemning the Trump administration’s move.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, says Trump’s tariffs and Canada’s retaliatory duties set to go in place next month will raise costs for businesses of every size and in every industry.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 25, 2026.
By Kelly Geraldine Malone | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.