Ilham Aliyev holds high-level talks in Turkmenistan
Ilham Aliyev’s working visit to Turkmenistan on 22 August featured high-level discussions with Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuham...
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting 1 August, increasing the previous rate of 25%. He also revealed plans to introduce blanket tariffs of 15% to 20% on most other trade partners.
In a letter shared on his social media platform, Trump informed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of the upcoming tariff hike, warning it could rise further if Canada retaliates. The move deals a setback to Carney, who had been trying to secure a new trade deal with Washington.
An official from the Trump administration noted that exemptions under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) would remain in effect, and existing 10% tariffs on energy and fertilizers were unlikely to change though final decisions were still pending.
Trump used the letter to criticise Canada over trade barriers and accused it of contributing to the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., which he claimed harmed American industries, including dairy. He argued that the U.S. trade deficit with Canada posed a national security risk.
Canadian authorities disputed the fentanyl claim, saying only a very small share of the drug comes from Canada, and that efforts have been made to secure the border.
Trump suggested in his letter that cooperation from Canada on stopping fentanyl imports could prompt a reconsideration of the tariff increase.
Carney’s office did not issue an immediate response, though he recently said both leaders had agreed to finalise a new economic and security pact within 30 days.
Trump has recently expanded his trade agenda, introducing new tariffs on countries such as Japan and South Korea, and a 50% tariff on copper. In an interview with NBC News, he said other nations could soon face similar tariffs even without direct notifications.
“Not everyone needs a letter,” Trump said. “We’re just setting the tariffs. The rest will pay, whether it’s 15% or 20%, we’ll sort that out.”
Canada, the U.S.’s second-largest trade partner after Mexico, purchased $349.4 billion worth of American goods last year and exported $412.7 billion to the U.S., according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Carney, whose Liberal Party returned to power earlier this year with a focus on resolving U.S. trade tensions, had been working toward a new bilateral agreement by 21 July. While Trump did not mention the status of those talks, he did indicate in the letter that tariff rates could change depending on future relations between the two countries.
Notably, Carney's government recently dropped plans for a digital services tax on U.S. tech companies after Trump abruptly cut off negotiations, calling the proposed tax a "blatant attack."
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Noor Jalal Jalali, met with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Kabul, Gaziz Akbasov, to press for enhanced health-sector cooperation, part of a broader bilateral push that includes infrastructure, trade, and humanitarian aid ties.
Authorities and employers should protect the health of workers who are exposed to extreme heat, according to a report by the United Nations. The UN warns that high temperatures are endangering people worldwide with serious health risks.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 22th of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will host Russia’s Vladimir Putin, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and more than 20 heads of government at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin from 31 August to 1 September.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment