Trump affirme que les États-Unis et le Canada ont conclu un accord de dernière minute pour retarder les droits de douane américains de 50% sur des importations canadiennes d'une valeur de 20 milliards de dollars

WASHINGTON, President Donald Trump announced on August 18, 2026, that the United States and Canada had reached a last-minute agreement to delay the implementation of 50% tariffs on Canadian imports. According to the president, this decision would provide temporary relief to businesses and consumers affected by the proposed trade measures. The agreement reportedly came after intense negotiations between U.S. officials and their Canadian counterparts. While the exact terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed, sources indicated that the delay would apply to approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. This figure was highlighted in reports from ABC News, which noted the specific value of the imports subject to the tariff postponement. The announcement followed weeks of mounting pressure from both sides of the border. Canadian leaders had expressed concerns over the potential economic impact of the tariffs, particularly on key industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. In response, U.S. negotiators reportedly made concessions aimed at easing tensions and preserving bilateral trade relations. Key figures involved in the discussions included U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland. Both officials were present during the final stages of the talks, according to multiple witnesses. The agreement was finalized just hours before the original deadline for the tariffs to take effect, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Historically, trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada have often been resolved through diplomatic channels, though recent years have seen increased friction due to diverging economic policies and political rhetoric. The current dispute over tariffs has been part of a broader trend of trade tensions, with both nations seeking to protect domestic industries while maintaining open markets. Reactions from industry groups and lawmakers have been mixed. Some business organizations praised the delay as a necessary step toward stabilizing trade relations, while others called for further negotiations to address underlying structural issues. Congressional representatives from both parties have expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a stable trading relationship with Canada. Looking ahead, the next steps will involve formalizing the agreement through official documentation and ensuring compliance with international trade laws. The U.S. government is expected to release detailed information on the terms of the deal within the coming days. Meanwhile, Canada’s federal government has signaled its intention to continue working with American partners to resolve outstanding trade concerns. As the details of the agreement become clearer, analysts will closely monitor how the delay affects market dynamics and whether it leads to long-term changes in trade policy. For now, the immediate focus remains on implementing the new terms and assessing their impact on the economy.