The United States will now receive 50% of the profits from the bridge built with Canada, following modifications to the terms of the original agreement, which Republican Trump criticized as being poorly negotiated by a previous administration. Trump disclosed this change on his social network, Truth Social.
The joint inauguration ceremony for the bridge was canceled after Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian products. The bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario, was scheduled to become operational the following Monday.
Jenna Ghassabeh, spokesperson for Canada's Infrastructure Minister, Gregor Robertson, justified the cancellation, stating that it would be inappropriate to hold a commemorative event between the two countries given the trade threats made by the United States earlier in the week.
Trump commented that Canada had withdrawn the invitation to the United States for the inauguration of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which he considered understandable given that Canada imposes significant tariffs on the United States. This bridge, spanning 2.4 kilometers, crosses the Detroit River, connecting Detroit to Windsor and honoring the Canadian hockey legend, Gordie Howe, who played 25 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings.
Initially scheduled for June 12, the inauguration was postponed because authorities indicated that the United States and Canada still needed to resolve certain pending issues. Therefore, the opening took place discreetly.
Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, emphasized that the bridge serves as an example of what can be achieved through mutual collaboration. The ceremony, held only for a select group of Canadian guests, takes place amid a period of high tension between the two nations.
After the announcement of new US tariffs on Monday, Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that he would be evaluating all possibilities for responding to the tariff threats. Carney also faced severe criticism from the conservative opposition during the week, especially after the disclosure of the preliminary bridge agreement proposal, which was seen as highly advantageous for the United States.
The terms of this new agreement stipulate that Canada must pay amounts equivalent to 50% of the net revenue generated by the bridge over a fifteen-year period. Mark Carney assured journalists on Thursday that it is a good deal, stressing that the initial 2012 pact, which stipulated no division of toll revenue until Canadian debt was repaid, remains valid.
The financial issue of the bridge had already been a central point of contention between Canada and the US when Donald Trump declared in February that the United States should retain 'at least half' of the profits, even though Canada fully financed the project. Tensions between Washington and Ottawa over tariffs have fluctuated in intensity over the past year and resurfaced last week after Trump threatened to impose more tariffs, accusing Canada of neglecting wildfires.
US President Donald Trump has once again imposed tariffs. This time, he has placed duties on goods from Canada. On Monday, he signed an executive order introducing a new 50% tariff on a range of Canadian products, citing 'discrimination' in the alcohol, automotive, and dairy sectors.
According to information from the White House, these duties will take effect in 30 days. It was noted that although some imported goods, such as energy resources, potash, and goods subject to special tariffs, are exempt from duties, the new tariffs also apply to goods imported under the America-Mexico-Canada agreement.
Three statements signed by Trump on Monday list the Canadian goods affected, including cooling equipment and machinery. The White House statement indicated that the president is taking steps to hold Canada accountable for persistent unfair and unequal practices against America, which, according to the administration, has created a burden and caused damage to the US.
Trump cited Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. This law allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 50% on goods from a country suspected of discriminating against American goods without prior Congressional approval. Previously, Trump had threatened to impose high tariffs on Canadian goods as punishment for damages caused to Americans due to severe fires in Canada last week. However, on Monday, a special administrative official told journalists that this action was not related to that issue. According to CNN, this official also noted that the president has other options in this regard.
It should be noted that previously, US President Donald Trump had imposed tariffs on many countries, but the Supreme Court deemed all these tariffs illegal and ordered a refund. Nevertheless, the introduction of new tariffs on Canada has once again raised concerns.
A representative of the U.S. government informed international media, including the AP agency, about the introduction of Trump tariffs at 50% on most Canadian goods. This official spoke anonymously, explaining that Canada is one of Washington's few trading partners, alongside China, which previously responded to Trump's previous tariffs and therefore should bear responsibility.
The source also stated that Trump signed three executive orders to implement these tariffs, citing the Trade Act of 1930. The 50% tariffs do not apply to energy products, potash, fish, and critical minerals, but they do include goods that were previously protected from import duties under the USMCA Agreement.
This trade agreement, concluded in 2020, recently expired, triggering a new round of negotiations that could continue until 2036.
