President Donald Trump announced a three-day pause on new 50% tariffs targeting Canadian imports on August 19, 2026, after the two countries reached a deal less than two hours before the levies were set to take effect, according to BBC News and NPR.
The tariffs had been aimed at a wide range of Canadian goods. NPR reported that the US and Canada struck the agreement at the eleventh hour, narrowly averting the duties going into force.
BBC News said Trump indicated the two countries are close to finalizing a broader trade agreement, framing the pause as a step toward that outcome.