trump hits back
| |

Trump hits back at Canada as tariff war escalates

ByJustpaste.in

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Canada after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs on American goods, deepening a trade dispute that threatens to further strain economic ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Trump responded sharply on Sunday after Canada confirmed that new tariffs targeting US products would take effect on September 8.

“Canada wants the benefits of being a state, without being one!!!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, while also accusing Canada of imposing heavy tariffs on American farmers for years.

The latest escalation follows the introduction of new US tariffs covering around $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. The measures, which took effect on Saturday, impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent and affect products ranging from hockey sticks and cement to other Canadian exports.

Carney announced Canada’s response a day earlier, saying Ottawa would impose new tariffs particularly targeting American steel and dairy products.

The Canadian prime minister described the situation in unusually forceful terms, saying the country had effectively been “attacked” and was responding accordingly.

The confrontation follows the collapse of recent trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa. Earlier discussions had appeared more constructive, with Trump saying he believed the United States could reach an agreement with Canada and pointing to his positive relationship with Carney.

But Carney said the latest US demands had crossed a line.

According to the Canadian leader, Washington proposed terms that were “uneconomic” and “unfair” while undermining the benefits Canada expected from a potential agreement. Ottawa ultimately rejected the proposal.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer offered a different account of the negotiations. He told The New York Times that Washington had offered to reduce tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminium and automobiles while also removing a recently imposed tariff on Canadian lumber.

Greer said the proposed measures would have provided Canada with exceptionally favourable treatment compared with other US trading partners.

However, the offer failed to produce a breakthrough.

Greer also told Fox News that Washington was preparing measures in response to Canada’s retaliation, signalling that the dispute could escalate further rather than return immediately to the negotiating table.

A senior US official described the latest talks as candid but not acrimonious, suggesting that despite the increasingly hostile public statements, both sides had maintained communication during negotiations.

The economic stakes are significant. The United States and Canada share one of the world’s largest trading relationships, with businesses and consumers on both sides relying heavily on cross-border commerce.

The latest tariffs could therefore raise costs for companies, disrupt supply chains and put additional pressure on industries already facing uncertainty.

With Canadian counter-tariffs scheduled to take effect in September, attention will now turn to whether Washington and Ottawa can find a compromise before the measures trigger a wider trade confrontation.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Iran and Oman hold talks on Strait of Hormuz as re…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Strait of Hormuz intensified this week even as tensions across the wider Middle East remained high, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveling to Washington for talks with President Donald Trump and multiple countries reporting drone interceptions linked to the ongoing conflict. An Omani delegation traveled to Tehran to discuss a possible mechanism for managing future shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continues to reject the idea of alternative shipping corridors through the waterway, while Omani officials have proposed a regional consortium to oversee the mechanism without charging tolls. Iranian officials, however, are still pushing for what they describe as a service fee and want the arrangement placed under Tehran’s control. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said talks with Oman over the strait took place over the weekend and described the discussions as useful, though he stressed that the situation in the strait itself remains unchanged and closed, and that the talks are unrelated to the United States. Baghaei also said Tehran has not requested a resumption of direct talks with Washington, calling that approach out of character for Iran. He said some Gulf countries had played a role in the American campaign against Iran without elaborating further, and added that Iran would not allow the United States to dictate how the conflict ends. Shipping data reviewed by analytics firm Kpler showed traffic through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el Mandeb strait remained severely reduced over the weekend. Eleven commodity vessels passed through Bab el Mandeb on Sunday, the lowest level recorded in months, following Houthi attacks on Saudi oil installations along the Red Sea coast and the group’s declared naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. Seven of those vessels were oil tankers. Meanwhile fewer than ten vessels per day moved through the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend despite the pause in US and Iranian strikes, with several transiting vessels reportedly operating with their transponders switched off. President Trump rejected suggestions that US forces were running low on munitions after two weeks of strikes on Iran, saying American stockpiles far exceed what the country needs. His comments followed reports that US military officials had privately warned the bombing campaign had exhausted its pre selected target list, and that General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had cautioned Trump about the risk of depleting munitions stocks, including interceptors used by American air defenses in the region. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the military has everything it needs, while acknowledging that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had inherited a depleted situation upon taking office. A senior Iranian official said Tehran would continue to hold fire as long as the United States does the same, describing the country’s position as strictly reciprocal. A separate Iranian source said there is more skepticism than optimism in Tehran about the pause, describing it as likely tactical rather than a genuine shift, given what the source called Iran’s extensive experience with perceived American deception. The pause followed a Friday meeting in which senior US military and political advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and Admiral Brad Cooper, the top American commander in the Middle East, reportedly urged Trump to scale back the bombing campaign. The renewed strikes had already unraveled an interim agreement reached the previous month aimed at ending the conflict. Against this backdrop, Netanyahu departed for Washington for his eighth meeting with Trump since the start of his second term, more than Trump has held with any other foreign leader. Netanyahu said Iran would top the agenda and described the trip as both an honor and a responsibility, saying his goal remains protecting Israel’s security and expanding regional peace. He also said he planned to visit Senator Lindsey Graham during the trip, calling him one of Israel’s closest allies. The visit comes as Netanyahu remains subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in November 2024 over alleged crimes against humanity connected to the war in Gaza. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones aimed at petroleum facilities in the Eastern Region and Riyadh, attributing the attempted strikes to Iranian backed militias operating from Iraqi territory. Jordan’s armed forces separately said they intercepted two drones without identifying the source, while Israel’s military said it intercepted two additional drones near the Jordanian border and is investigating their origin. Baghaei also addressed Iran’s nuclear program, saying Israel would attempt to block the transfer of nuclear technology to countries in the region while insisting that peaceful nuclear development remains every nation’s right. He said Washington has previously expected Iran to collapse quickly under pressure but argued that the United States remains entangled in the conflict months later. He further claimed Washington tends to return to negotiations whenever global energy prices rise. Separately, Iran summoned the French ambassador over the detention of two French diplomats earlier this month by Iranian security forces. Baghaei said Iran demanded that the French government halt what he called interference in Iran’s internal affairs conducted under the guise of civil society engagement. He said the diplomats were detained and questioned for several hours before being released, and said one of them was physically mistreated. French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot condemned the incident as a serious act of intimidation. For residents of Iran, the uncertainty surrounding the pause has become part of daily life. One Tehran business owner said the entire country feels stuck in limbo, describing the shifting pattern of strikes and pauses as exhausting and accusing Washington of neither ending the conflict nor pursuing it decisively.

  • | | |

    AJK polling extended amid disruptions and security…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Polling in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections was extended by one hour on Monday. Voting in Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli continued until 6pm. The extension was announced as several polling stations faced disruptions and complaints. Political parties also raised concerns about alleged interference and security issues during the voting process. The first phase of the AJK elections covers all 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division. The division includes four seats in Mirpur, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli. More than 1.4 million registered voters are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase. Election authorities established 2,454 polling stations and 3,701 polling booths across the division. Around 22,000 election officials were assigned duties to manage the polling process. Security was also increased at polling stations across the region. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) raised several complaints during the day. PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor called on the Election Commission to take immediate notice of disruptions at polling stations. Polling at Station 108 in LA-13 Kotli-VI was reportedly suspended for around two hours. Shakoor said the interruption was affecting voters and preventing them from exercising their right to vote. He demanded that polling be restored immediately. He also called for an investigation into the reasons behind the suspension. The PPP also alleged interference at several polling stations in LA-8 Raj Mahal and LA-12 Charhoi. The party claimed that some PML-N supporters were attempting to influence the polling process. The allegations included the presence of armed individuals near some polling stations. The PPP demanded stronger security arrangements to protect voters, polling staff and election material. Another serious incident was reported in LA-9 Nikyal. A PPP worker was killed during an incident that the party linked to alleged intimidation and the display of weapons. PPP officials identified the deceased as 35-year-old Mukhtar Younus. The party demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the incident. Shakoor alleged that weapons had been displayed in the area before polling day. He claimed that timely action by the authorities could have prevented the situation from worsening. The PPP also accused the federal government of interfering in the AJK elections. PPP Secretary General Nadeem Afzal Chan demanded that federal officials and government machinery remain neutral during the electoral process. He said political parties should be allowed to compete without outside interference. Chan also raised concerns over alleged use of state resources during the election campaign. He called for development announcements and other government activities that could influence voters to be stopped during the election period. The PPP has established an election monitoring cell in Islamabad. Senior party leaders are monitoring polling-related complaints through the cell. The monitoring team is also maintaining contact with election officials, district administrations, candidates and party representatives. The PPP said the purpose of the cell was to monitor the election process and report any violations. Meanwhile, the Election Commission took action against two presiding officers in Kotli. The officials were accused of failing to report to their assigned polling stations. They allegedly went to a private residence instead. An FIR was registered against both officials. They were arrested and later suspended from service. Election authorities said strict action would be taken against officials who violate election rules. They also warned that negligence and irregularities in the polling process would not be tolerated. Security remained a major focus during polling. Authorities declared 1,965 polling stations sensitive or highly sensitive. More than 19,000 security personnel were deployed across Mirpur Division. The force included around 17,000 police personnel. Around 2,100 Army personnel were also kept on standby. They could be deployed as a backup force if the security situation deteriorated. Despite the complaints and isolated incidents, polling continued at most stations. In LA-1 Dadyal, voting began in a peaceful atmosphere. Security arrangements were strengthened around all polling stations in the constituency. More than 105,000 voters are registered in Dadyal. The constituency has 139 polling stations and 234 polling booths. The first phase of the elections is being held under a revised schedule. Polling in Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 refugee constituencies is scheduled for August 2. The final phase will be held in Poonch Division on August 10. A total of 288 candidates are contesting the 13 seats in Mirpur Division. Election authorities have urged candidates, workers and voters to maintain peace and follow the electoral code of conduct.

  • | |

    Seven workers abducted in armed raid on Chagai min…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Seven workers were abducted after a group of armed men raided a private mining site in Chagai district and allegedly took away vehicles, fuel and other equipment worth millions of rupees. According to sources, the incident occurred around 1pm on Tuesday at a mine in Mahian Kaur, located approximately 15 to 18 kilometres west of Chagai town. Eight unidentified armed men reportedly arrived at the mining site on motorcycles. They took control of the facility and held the workers hostage before taking seven employees away with them. Four of the abducted workers were from Gilgit. They were identified as Wajahat, Wajid, Shahid and Sabir. The other three workers were locals. They were identified as Ziauddin from Dalbandin, Shah Saleem from Mahian in Chagai and Saeed Muhammad, who is also from Mahian. Sources said the armed men remained at the mining site for several hours. They reportedly stayed there until around 7pm before leaving with the hostages and equipment. The attackers allegedly took a Zambad vehicle and a four-wheel-drive pickup from the site. A motorcycle was also reportedly taken. More than 20 solar panels were among the items removed from the mining facility. The attackers also allegedly took bedding, kitchen equipment and other supplies used by the workers. A large quantity of fuel was also taken. Sources said the stolen fuel included around 2,500 litres of diesel and 1,500 litres of petrol. The attackers reportedly carried out the operation without facing resistance. They then left the area with the seven workers and the stolen property. The incident was reported to the relevant authorities soon after the attackers departed. Local administration and security officials have launched efforts to trace the abducted workers and recover the vehicles and other property. Search efforts are continuing in the area, while authorities are also investigating the identity and motives of the armed men. The abduction has raised fresh security concerns for workers and private mining operations in Chagai, where remote mining sites can be difficult to secure. At the time of reporting, there was no confirmed information about the whereabouts or condition of the seven abducted workers.

  • | |

    Paris Jackson reveals nightmare experience at trea…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Paris Jackson is opening up about one of the darkest periods of her teenage years, revealing previously undisclosed details about her experience at a treatment facility after a suicide attempt at age 15. The singer and actress recently described her time at a Utah treatment center as a deeply distressing experience. Jackson said the facility, which was supposed to help her recover, instead left her with additional emotional wounds. Her comments offer a rare look at the difficult experiences she faced during her adolescence. (The News⁠) Jackson has spoken publicly before about struggling with her mental health as a teenager. After the death of her father, Michael Jackson, in 2009, she faced intense grief while growing up under constant public attention. At 15, she attempted suicide and later received treatment. In her latest account, Jackson described the facility as a place where she felt trapped rather than supported. She recalled eventually escaping from the Utah facility, despite being warned about what could happen if she tried to leave. The experience appears to have had a lasting effect on her. Jackson has previously discussed being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after attending a treatment program, and she has also expressed solidarity with other people who have described harmful experiences in youth treatment facilities. Her story highlights a complicated part of mental health treatment that is often overlooked. While professional care can be essential during a crisis, Jackson’s experience shows why young people need environments where they feel safe, respected and genuinely heard. Over the years, Jackson has continued working to rebuild her life and establish an identity separate from her famous family. She has pursued music, modeling and acting, while becoming increasingly open about her experiences with addiction, grief and mental health. Her recovery has not been presented as a simple journey. Instead, Jackson has described difficult setbacks alongside periods of growth. In 2020, she spoke about how songwriting helped her process painful emotions and turn difficult experiences into something creative. (ABC News⁠) Jackson’s willingness to discuss her past also gives fans a different perspective on the person behind the headlines. Growing up as Michael Jackson’s daughter brought enormous attention, but her struggles were deeply personal. Her latest revelations are particularly significant because they show that seeking help does not always mean every treatment experience feels healing. Jackson’s account reinforces the importance of compassionate and appropriate care, especially for vulnerable teenagers. Today, she continues to focus on her music and personal growth. By speaking honestly about the painful chapters of her past, Jackson is also helping start conversations about mental health, trauma and the importance of finding safe ways to recover.

  • | |

    Adani group weighs entry into Indian aviation mark…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate is exploring a possible entry into the airline business, a move that could disrupt an Indian aviation market currently controlled by just two major carriers, according to two people familiar with the discussions. The consideration marks a potential shift in direction for the group, which runs eight airports across India, including two serving Mumbai, and is midway through an expansion plan worth 11 billion dollars. The group had previously indicated it had no plans to enter the airline sector. According to one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, no final decision has been reached and the idea remains under internal review, partly because the airline business is widely seen as difficult to run profitably. The source said Indian officials have privately encouraged large business groups, including Adani’s, to consider launching a carrier following heightened scrutiny of Air India after a fatal crash in Ahmedabad last year, along with operational breakdowns at market leader IndiGo that disrupted air travel nationwide in December. The source characterized Adani’s interest as motivated partly by a sense of national interest, noting that the government has grown concerned that the country needs another major airline given the troubles at both existing carriers. Shares of Adani Enterprises fell more than 3 percent on Thursday following the report. Internal talks about a possible airline venture remain in early stages, and the group has not set a timeline for a decision. Adani ranks as Asia’s second wealthiest individual, with a net worth of roughly 89 billion dollars, though entering the airline industry would represent one of the riskier moves of his business career. Several Indian carriers, including Kingfisher, Jet Airways and Go First, have collapsed into bankruptcy over the past fifteen years amid high taxes, intense competition and supply chain problems. While Adani has aggressively expanded his footprint in ports and airports, he has also spent time since 2024 contending with United States allegations that he paid bribes to secure a solar energy project. Those charges were dropped by American prosecutors earlier this month. India remains one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world, but the sector has faced persistent concern over its lack of competition. IndiGo currently holds about 65.4 percent of the domestic market, while Air India controls roughly 25 percent, leaving little room for smaller players. The Indian government has said it wants to expand the country’s airport network to between 350 and 400 facilities by 2047, up from 74 in 2014, as passenger traffic climbs and airlines place record aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus. Rajan Mehra, the former India head of Qatar Airways, said an Adani led entry into aviation could reshape the sector, though he added that regulators would need to ensure strong safeguards and a level playing field for all carriers going forward. One option under consideration is acquiring a stake in an existing airline rather than building a new one from scratch, according to the second source, who said the group is keeping all possibilities open. The government’s push for new entrants comes after it warned IndiGo in December that it could face regulatory action following a wave of flight cancellations triggered by a pilot shortage. That crisis stranded thousands of passengers and prompted officials to intervene to curb a sharp spike in airfares. The broader push toward breaking up India’s aviation duopoly reflects a pattern seen in other fast growing emerging markets, where regulators and governments have historically encouraged new entrants once dominant carriers show signs of strain, though such efforts have a mixed record of success given the industry’s notoriously thin margins and high capital requirements.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *