Live updates: Canadian retaliatory tariffs loom; Big Tech opposition grows as midterms approach

The trade conflict between the United States and Canada is moving toward a critical juncture, with Ottawa preparing to implement reciprocal tariffs in response to hefty levies imposed by Washington two weeks ago. The Canadian government has signaled it will match the American tariff rate dollar-for-dollar across the targeted products, marking an escalation in tensions between the two neighboring trading partners.

President Trump has justified the initial U.S. tariffs by citing what he characterizes as an unacceptable trade imbalance favoring Canada. However, the absence of reported diplomatic discussions suggests little room for de-escalation at this stage of the dispute. The window for negotiations remains open only until the end of Monday, after which Canada's retaliatory measures are expected to take immediate effect.

Beyond government posturing, the trade war is drawing increasing scrutiny from the technology sector, where major companies view the escalating tariff regime as a threat to their operations and profitability. This growing corporate opposition arrives as the United States approaches midterm elections, potentially influencing how the public and lawmakers perceive the administration's trade policies and their economic impact on American consumers and businesses.