MichAuto > Blog > Media Coverage > ‘We Cannot Send This Item’: Ontario Business Pivots as Canada-U.S. Tariff Deadline Looms

‘We Cannot Send This Item’: Ontario Business Pivots as Canada-U.S. Tariff Deadline Looms

August 20, 2026

WXYZ Detroit

Aug. 17, 2026

Darren Cunningham

As trade talks continue between the U.S. and Canada, businesses on both sides of the border are bracing for potential fallout from a looming tariff deadline. That negotiation deadline between the U.S. and Canada is Wednesday.

The proposed 50% tariff is creating deep uncertainty for cross-border commerce and local industries.

Canada is one of Michigan’s largest trade partners. Glenn Stevens Jr., head of MichAuto at the Detroit Regional Chamber, said the tariff would impact about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods.

“We know that negotiators have been at it all weekend. I understand that Prime Minister Carney and President Trump are speaking today. So, hopefully calmer heads will prevail and we’ll get through this latest chapter,” Stevens said.