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Leaked audio has JD Vance mocking Canada ahead of tariff deadline
The negotiations, tied to threats of 50% tariffs, could allow Canada to again permit US alcohol sales as US imports have fallen about 81% year over year, according to the White House.
A leaked audio recording from a private event has reportedly captured US vice-president JD Vance mocking Canada and taunting Prime Minister Mark Carney over trade talks, as the two delegations push toward a late-stage deal. The recording, shared with Canadian Press, surfaced during negotiations where the US president has threatened 50% tariffs on Canada.
The audio comes as Canada weighs terms that Canadian officials say are close to finalizing, including Canada again allowing US alcohol sales across the country in exchange for avoiding the worst of the tariff measures. Trump previously said the tariffs would begin on 19 August, but he then announced a three-day pause.
According to the White House, the earlier Canadian response to Trump’s tariff threats included bans on the sale of US alcohol in eight of 10 provinces and all three territories, and US alcohol imports are down about 81% year over year. Canadian leaders, including Manitoba premier Wab Kinew and Nova Scotia counterpart Tim Houston, said Carney has asked provinces to return US alcohol to shelves.
Canadian officials have linked the trade pressure to reduced sales for US wine, beer, and spirits producers. Kinew said the message to consumers would be to buy the Canadian product if US booze is returned, and he argued Canada should stand firm in the negotiations.