Trump Pauses 50% Tariffs on $28 Billion of Canadian Goods for Three Days, Two Hours Before They Took Effect

President Trump announced late Tuesday that he would delay 50 percent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods for three days, posting the decision less than two hours before the levies were to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. He said the delay was "based on the fact that Canada and the U.S.A., subject to the finalization of documents, have a DEAL!" The tariffs, imposed under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, would have hit hundreds of products worth more than $28 billion. A White House proclamation issued the same day describes the suspension as in the public interest because Canadian negotiators committed to address U.S. grievances.

The two governments described the same event differently. Prime Minister Mark Carney did not refer to a deal, calling it a postponement so talks can continue and saying "substantial progress has been made, although there is important work still to be done."

The new deadline expires at the end of the day Friday. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the deal covers market access, economic security and digital trade without offering specifics; autos remain a sticking point. Trump said the Keystone XL pipeline "may be awoken from the grave."