An industry group warned that customs officials could nullify the 75% tariff cut for major whisky importers

The industry says repeated sampling of imported spirits remains a non-tariff barrier despite a duty cut to 75% under the UK trade deal

Investigators told importers that bulk Scotch concentrates may still face a 150% duty, alarming Pernod Ricard and Diageo

Industry groups said state taxes, distribution costs and retailer margins will determine how much of the tariff cut reaches drinkers

Industry groups said state taxes, distribution costs and retailer margins will determine how much of the tariff cut reaches drinkers

The government says the pact would make 98% of exports to the bloc tariff-free, even with rising Coalition resistance

Project planners only too aware American bombs have fallen near agreed site.

via Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera — Russia will send on Thursday its first diesel tanker to the US to an undisclosed port.

The High Commissioner of India to Canada, Dinesh Kumar Patnaik, has provided an update on the ongoing negotiations for a Canada-India trade deal. Speaking during an interview at the High Commission of India in Ottawa, Patnaik expressed confidence that a trade agreement would be finalized before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Canada. The Canadian Press reported that Patnaik's comments came as part of an exclusive interview with CTV News, highlighting the significance of the trade negotiations between the two nations. The trade deal is seen as a key component in strengthening economic ties between Canada and India, with potential benefits for both countries' businesses and industries. While specific details of the agreement have not been disclosed, the timing of the deal's completion before Modi's visit suggests a strategic effort to enhance bilateral relations. The Canadian government has been actively engaged in discussions with Indian officials to address mutual economic interests, including market access, trade barriers, and investment opportunities. This development comes amid growing interest in deepening Canada-India economic partnerships, particularly as both countries seek to expand their global trade networks. The High Commissioner's statement underscores the importance of the trade deal as a priority for both governments, with the potential to create new economic opportunities and strengthen diplomatic relations. The upcoming visit by Prime Minister Modi is expected to further advance these discussions and potentially lead to the signing of the agreement during his stay in Canada. This move aligns with broader efforts by both nations to foster closer economic collaboration and address shared challenges in the global marketplace. The trade deal is anticipated to have significant implications for Canadian exporters and Indian businesses seeking to expand their presence in each other's markets. As negotiations continue, both sides remain committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that supports economic growth and job creation in both countries.

The National Post's afternoon front page highlights several key stories. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Canada is working hard on a trade deal, following a recent announcement by Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine regarding tariff exemptions for Canadian goods. This development comes after trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. stalled in late August. Prime Minister Mark Carney responded that Canada could sign a trade deal with the U.S. 'this afternoon if the U.S. were there.' The article also reports a significant increase in Canadian emigration to the U.S., with immigration numbers up 142% according to Civic group Build Canada. The report notes that 120,640 people left Canada last year, the highest number since records began in 1952, and that 34% of immigrants with PhDs leave Canada within 25 years. Build Canada warns of a potential brain drain to the U.S., where wages are higher and taxes lower, suggesting 'bold policy choices' could help address the issue. Other stories featured include analysis of Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and B.C. NDP leader David Eby facing similar political challenges in their re-election campaigns, a report on Ukraine's restaurants adapting to wartime conditions amid Russian attacks on food infrastructure, and a historical piece about escaping Hungary after the 1956 revolution to immigrate to Canada. The National Post emphasizes its commitment to local journalism and offers subscribers exclusive content including articles by Conrad Black and Barbara Kay, special edition newsletters, and unlimited online access.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Canada is 'working very hard' to make a trade deal with the United States, despite negotiations having stalled since late August. The statement was made during a press briefing in Washington on October 23, 2026, where Trump also claimed that 'we have all the cards.' Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Carney, who was in Istanbul signing a strategic partnership with Turkey, responded that the timing of a trade deal remains up to the U.S., adding that Canada could sign a deal 'this afternoon if the U.S. were there.' The negotiations between the two countries have been at a standstill since August, with Canada pausing talks due to last-minute demands from U.S. negotiators that were deemed unacceptable for Canadian interests. Key issues include U.S. tariffs on Canadian medium and heavy duty trucks, French-language labelling requirements, streaming discoverability rules, and U.S. oversight on Canadian trade policy. Despite open communication channels, there has been a notable escalation in rhetoric from U.S. officials in recent weeks, with U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra warning Canadian politicians to 'keep your nose out of American politics' and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro telling Canadian lobbyists to 'get the hell out of our country.' The U.S. embassy in Ottawa recently published a 'fact sheet' listing Canadian politicians accused of planning to influence American politics, which Carney called 'disappointing' and stated had 'no merit.' Carney emphasized that Canadian officials have no intention of interfering with U.S. democratic processes, noting that Global Affairs Canada had issued guidance to Canadian diplomats to avoid appearing to interfere in U.S. midterm elections. The upcoming U.S. midterms on November 3 are expected to see the Republican Party lose control of Congress, with Trump's approval ratings affected by voter frustrations over inflation, the economy, and U.S. military actions in Iran. Carney expressed confidence that the allegations against Canada would not be used to justify further tariffs or blame Canadians for potential Republican losses.

Labor lacks a clear Senate path after the Greens withheld support and key industries questioned whether the deal favors Europe

Officials say the narrower pact would sit alongside the existing free trade agreement and seek exemptions for key exports.

The government says the pact would make 98% of exports to the bloc tariff-free, even with rising Coalition resistance

Industry speakers said cheaper bottles may reach more consumers, though fragmented state rules still limit quick export growth.

A senior minister has called on Opposition Leader Angus Taylor to take a strong stance against what he described as 'fanatics' within The Nationals who are attempting to block a $10 billion annual free trade agreement with the European Union. The deal, which was finalised in March, has been supported by most business sectors and industry groups, with Trade Minister Don Farrell dismissing climate concerns raised by Nationals leader Matt Canavan as a 'straw man' argument. Canavan argues the agreement fails to protect Australian farmers and could expose the country to sanctions if climate targets under the 2016 Paris Agreement are not met. However, the agreement secures 35,000 tonnes of market access for beef, an eight-fold increase from current levels, and 31,000 tonnes for sheep meat, up from 5,800 tonnes. Australian Industry Group CEO Innes Willox stated the deal, while not perfect, offers significant economic benefits by providing easier access to a market of 450 million consumers. He warned that rejecting the agreement would be a major setback for Australia's longstanding support for free trade and open markets. Cabinet minister Tim Ayres framed the issue as a test of Taylor's economic credibility, questioning whether the 50 Liberal MPs would allow themselves to be 'led by the nose' by Nationals 'fanatics' or stand for 'mainstream economic credibility' and free trade. Opposition frontbencher Sarah Henderson acknowledged the Coalition's desire for better EU trade but insisted the current deal is 'not a good deal for Australians', particularly for beef and dairy sectors, and called for the government to improve the terms. If the Coalition succeeds in blocking the agreement, it would mark the first time a free trade agreement has failed to pass parliament. The government has been urged to address concerns while maintaining Australia's commitment to free trade and market access for its goods.

India-NZ free trade deal starts Oct 20: tariffs on Indian goods, wool, sheepmeat, apples, kiwifruit, and why student and work visas wait.

Facing a $280 billion trade surplus and pressure from Washington, Mexico is strategically shifting its purchasing away from third countries toward U.S. goods — all in a bid to clinch a bilateral deal before Trump's midterm deadline. With Canada's negotiations collapsed and Mexico's economy under strain, Sheinbaum is betting that cooperation, not confrontation, is the path to tariff relief.

Canada is actively working to conclude a comprehensive trade deal with India by the end of 2026, as both nations seek to strengthen economic ties and diversify partnerships in response to growing global economic uncertainty. Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu confirmed the government's commitment to finalizing the agreement within the current year, stating that 'the momentum is there, the energy is there to get it done.' The fifth round of negotiations between Canadian and Indian officials began on October 5, building on previous discussions that concluded in September. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December to sign the completed trade deal, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The proposed agreement aims to significantly expand trade between the two countries, with current annual trade valued at $30.4 billion. Canadian officials have set an ambitious target to increase this to $70 billion within the coming years. Key areas of focus include mining, food security, infrastructure investment, and nuclear energy cooperation. Canada possesses substantial uranium resources and nuclear technology expertise, which could position it as a key partner for India as the country opens its nuclear sector to private investment to rapidly expand atomic power generation. This push for a trade agreement comes amid heightened trade tensions between Canada and the United States following the breakdown of negotiations between the two countries. India, meanwhile, faces potential tariff threats from a new law granting former U.S. President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas. Both nations see the trade deal as a strategic opportunity to strengthen economic partnerships and reduce reliance on other markets. Business leaders in both countries have expressed strong support for the agreement, with Sidhu noting that 'the business community wants to see this happen.' The Canadian government emphasizes that as India grows, Canada will grow alongside it, with opportunities to support India's supply chain development and participate in its infrastructure expansion plans. The agreement represents a strategic move to deepen economic cooperation in a rapidly changing global trade landscape.