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Canada rejects latest U.S. tariff offer with Aug. 19 50% duties one week out
Developing
What we know
With one week until President Donald Trump’s threatened Aug. 19 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods, Canadian officials were not satisfied with the latest U.S. offer to ease sectoral duties, according to sources cited by CBC News and confirmed in Reuters’ Wednesday report.
Sources on both sides said Washington floated a new Tuesday proposal that would lower some steel, aluminum, lumber, and auto-related tariffs—but not to the levels Ottawa wants. Canada–U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and chief negotiator Janice Charette remained in Washington for daily talks with USTR Jamieson Greer; LeBlanc said discussions were “ongoing.” Ottawa also sought to avoid the new 50% levy while pressing for relief on existing sectoral tariffs and eventual CUSMA renewal.
What's confirmed
- CBC (Aug. 12): Canadian side unsatisfied with latest U.S. counter-offer; deal not ready.
- Reuters: same sourcing—U.S. offered to lower some tariffs but not enough for Canada; Trump Aug. 19 50% threat intact.
- LeBlanc/Charette still engaging in Washington; daily meetings planned through the deadline.
What's still developing
- Whether a package can be presented to Trump before Aug. 19.
- Provincial alcohol-shelf and other U.S. irritant concessions vs. sectoral relief numbers.