Prime Minister Mark Carney returned from Washington without a formal U.S. tariff deal but noted progress on steel, aluminum, and energy talks. President Trump delayed 25% tariffs on trucks to November 1. JLL reports a surge in Canadian discretionary spending led by jewelry, furniture, and luxury goods. Info-Tech’s Tech Trends 2026 highlights AI, geopolitical risks, and innovation as key forces shaping leadership. A UserTesting survey shows one in three consumers will use AI for holiday shopping to find deals and gift ideas.
Carney Leaves Washington Without Tariff Deal but Gains Ground with Trump
Prime Minister Mark Carney returned from Washington without a formal agreement to lift U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods but reported progress on steel, aluminum, and energy talks. Despite no deal, Carney earned praise from President Trump and support from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for his diplomatic approach. Analysts say the meeting strengthened Canada-U.S. relations and could set the stage for future tariff relief ahead of the CUSMA review.
Source: BNN Bloomberg
Trump Delays 25% Truck Tariffs to November 1
President Donald Trump announced that the 25% tariffs on medium, and heavy-duty trucks will now take effect November 1 instead of early October. The delay follows ongoing Section 232 investigations into truck imports, with Mexico and Canada supplying over 90% of U.S. trucks. Industry experts warn the tariffs could disrupt supply chains and drive up costs, as domestic production can’t meet demand.
Source: Supply Chain Dive
Canadian Retail Spending Surges Despite Economic Challenges: JLL
JLL’s latest report shows a strong rise in Canadian discretionary spending in early 2025, led by jewelry, furniture, and luxury goods despite economic uncertainty. The “Buy Canadian” movement and growth in dining and entertainment are fueling demand, even as retail space hits historic lows in major cities. While landlords hold leverage amid tight supply, JLL warns that slowing economic conditions may cool momentum heading into 2026.
Source: Retail Insider
AI and Resilience Lead Info-Tech’s Tech Trends 2026 Report
Info-Tech Research Group’s Tech Trends 2026 highlights how AI, geopolitical instability, and rapid innovation are reshaping technology leadership. The report outlines eight key trends under global resilience, intelligent automation, and exponential IT growth, emphasizing AI-driven security and adaptive sensing. As uncertainty rises, leaders are urged to move beyond managing disruption toward foresight, resilience, and lasting transformation.
Source: Inside Logistics
AI Adoption Grows in Holiday Shopping Despite Skepticism
A UserTesting survey finds that one-third of consumers plan to use AI tools for holiday shopping, mainly for finding deals, comparing prices, and gift ideas. Younger shoppers, especially Gen Z and millennials, are driving adoption, though privacy and trust concerns persist. Despite mixed data on usage rates, most consumers believe AI will soon reshape shopping, with retailers also leveraging it for seasonal planning.
Source: Retail Dive
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