Eric Ham: Can Canada dodge the tariff bullet? Key questions before the deadline

Washington political analyst Eric Ham breaks down the crucial economic stakes, core sticking points, and growing political pushback in the U.S. ahead of the Aug. 19 deadline for Canada to avoid $20 billion in sweeping new tariffs.

Canadian negotiators worked to avoid a midnight tariff deadline in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, hoping to strike a last-minute deal.

President Donald Trump’s administration is downplaying expectations for a last-minute deal with Canada to avert fresh tariffs set to take effect Wednesday, people familiar with the matter said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump spoke Monday as negotiators remain in Washington, with auto tariffs emerging as a key sticking point

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has held urgent talks with US President Donald Trump, Ottawa confirmed Tuesday, in an effort to avoid fresh US tariffs on Canadian goods as a midnight deadline fast approaches. Trump signed orders for the steep 50 per cent duties last month, with the White House alleging “discriminat

Carney spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump by phone on Monday

The 5,525-mile U.S.-Canada border remains undefended, with nearly 330,000 people and $2 billion in commerce crossing daily, while 800,000 Canadians live in the US

The US and Canada are locked in last-minute talks to prevent a fresh wave of tariffs from striking at 00:01 ET on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump has vowed to slap 50% duties on $20 billion (€17.2bn) worth of Canadian products if a deal is not reached in time.

First Up: Carney warns of ‘delicate’ U.S. trade talks as Trump’s tariff deadline looms  Toronto Star

So far, the premier is reluctant to make any concessions such as returning U.S. alcohol to B.C. shelves without tariff relief for key industries such as forestry.

The Canadian PM will need to sell his compatriots on any concessions made to the US as negotiators scramble to reach a deal to avoid Trump’s latest tariffs.

New 50% import taxes could hit liquor, hockey gear and wood products like particle board.

Ottawa is pressing for a reduction in levies on autos and lumber, two sticking points in negotiations

Canada braces for 50% US tariffs, with negotiators still far apart  Reuters