US-Canada Bridge Opening Ceremony in Doubt After Trump Announces 50% Tariffs

A planned joint ceremony marking the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is no longer expected to go ahead after US President Donald Trump announced a 50 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods.

The White House said the tariffs were aimed at what Trump described as unfair treatment of American automobiles, alcohol and dairy products by Canada. The announcement has further strained relations between the two neighbouring countries.

“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,” said Jenna Ghassabeh, a spokesperson for Canadian Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson.

Canada now plans to hold its own ceremony on Friday. It remains unclear whether the United States will organise a separate event.

Two US officials familiar with internal discussions said they still expect the bridge to open to traffic on July 27, although they expressed less confidence than before that the schedule would be maintained.

“We remain committed to opening the bridge on July 27th, and to celebrating this milestone among Canadians on July 24th,” Ghassabeh said.

The 1.5-mile, or 2.4-kilometre, bridge spans the Detroit River and links Detroit with Windsor. It is expected to become a major route for trade and travel between the United States and Canada.

The bridge was financed by Canada under an agreement allowing construction costs to be recovered through toll revenue. The Trump administration had sought changes to the arrangement.

Construction began in 2018 after the project was negotiated under former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. The total cost has reached nearly $4.4 billion.

The bridge is named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who spent 25 seasons playing for the Detroit Red Wings.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony had originally been scheduled for June 12 but was postponed after officials said outstanding issues between the two governments still needed to be resolved. The countries later reached an agreement earlier this month to proceed with the opening.

Trump had previously demanded that Canada give the US government at least half ownership of the bridge, along with other unspecified concessions, during wider disputes over trade and Canadian sovereignty.

The latest tariff announcement has raised concerns about a broader trade conflict. The White House said the new duties would take effect in 30 days, leaving time for further negotiations.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government continued to support the benefits of free and fair trade and remained ready to negotiate with Washington.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for a strong response if the tariffs go ahead, saying Canada should respond “tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar”.

The dispute has now cast uncertainty over what was expected to be a major symbol of cooperation between the two countries, even as both sides maintain that the bridge itself should open later this month.