Canada has called off a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony with the United States for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, scheduled for Friday 24 July, after President Donald Trump announced 50 per cent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods. “In light of trade action threatened by the United States earlier this week, it would be inappropriate to proceed with a celebratory event between the two countries,” Jenna Ghassabeh, a spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, said in a statement. The bridge, which links Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, remains on track to open to vehicle traffic on Monday 27 July.

Trump unveiled the tariffs on Monday, with the White House citing what it described as discriminatory Canadian treatment of American automobiles, alcohol and dairy products. The duties are to take effect in 30 days, leaving a window for negotiations. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he spoke with Trump on Tuesday and that the two sides agreed to intensify trade talks, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared that “if these tariffs proceed, Canada should respond tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar.”

The multibillion-dollar bridge project has been a flashpoint in bilateral relations. In February, Trump threatened to block the opening, demanding changes to the original 2012 agreement under which Canada financed construction and was to recover its costs through toll revenue. A new revenue-sharing deal was struck earlier this month, clearing the way for the 27 July opening, but its terms have not been made public and remain a source of confusion. The crossing is expected to relieve pressure on the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, the busiest US–Canada freight port, which handled $126bn in truck-borne trade in 2023.

Canada will now hold a ceremony exclusively for Canadians on 24 July. It is unclear whether the United States will stage a separate event. Two US officials, speaking anonymously, said they still expect the bridge to open on 27 July but are less certain than before. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said he remains focused on the long-term economic benefits of the new border crossing, adding that Canadians “will continue to follow the example of Gordie Howe.”