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KC Concepcion spends date night with stepdad Kiko Pangilinan: ‘Missed this’

KC Concepcion was visibly delighted after she finally got to bond with her stepfather, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, over a long-awaited date night.

The actress-singer documented the moment through her Instagram page on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

‘Finally… date night with Dad,’ she said in the caption. ‘Missed this. Good food, great stories, the best life advice. LOVE quality time with my family.’

Concepcion’s post also includes a clip of Pangilinan sharing advice for the young generation.

‘Surrender-not all matters are in your hands. And whatever matters are not in your hands are in the hands of God Almighty. Everything has a reason. Everything has a purpose. There are no coincidences. You just believe. It’s gonna be okay,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Concepcion also addressed her mom, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, in the caption and congratulated her for her latest project ‘Honor Thy Mother.’ ‘More family [quality time] soon.’

Just days prior to this, Frankie Pangilinan opened up about her current relationship with her older sister KC and admitted that they haven’t spoken in a long time. Nonetheless, Frankie underscored that she loves and misses KC very much.

‘Out of respect po for my parents, I may not divulge so much information, but I can say this confidently-that she will always be my sister,’ Frankie said. ‘Every family naman has some things. We’re working on it.’

KC is the eldest daughter of Cuneta with her former husband, actor Gabby Concepcion.

Cuneta and Kiko have two more children, namely Miel and Miguel.

Sanwo-Olu leads Hamzat’s campaign to Ikorodu, seek support for candidates

The campaign train of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) rolled into Ikorodu Division, where traditional rulers, community leaders and residents vowed to support the governorship candidate, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

Led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the team, which included the party chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the Director-General of the KOH Campaign Team, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and other prominent party leaders, were received received at the Palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi.

Thousands of party faithful gathered to sheer the candidate, assuring the campaign team of their readiness to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hamzat and his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, during the elections.

The monarchs expressed their support for the continuity of the progressive administration in Lagos and at the federal level.

Hamzat expressed his appreciation to the traditional rulers and urging them to mobilise their subjects and vote for APC candidates.

He said the re-election of President Tinubu is crucial to the continued progress of the country, adding that failure to return the President for a second term and ensure victory for the APC in Lagos would be a political tragedy for Nigeria.

Hamzat said President Tinubu deserves a second term because he has demonstrated courage, experience and fulfilled his campaign promises.

He stressed: ‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves a second term because he has lived up to expectations by fulfilling campaign promises, showing courage and displaying rich experience in the national interest.’

He also said Lagosians had confidence in the party because of its record of achievements and visible development.

Hamzat commended the Sanwo-Olu administration for its achievements in transportation, technology, healthcare and education through the THEMES+ Agenda, stressing that continuity remained the most sensible option for Lagos.

He added: ‘Lagos is too vital a state to be experimented with.’

Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) urged APC members and supporters not to underestimate the opposition, noting that taking voters for granted could produce unintended consequences.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of Hamzat, describing him as experienced, capable, humble and a man of integrity.

House of Representatives member from Ikorodu Constituency Jimi Benson called on residents of the division to vote for APC candidates.

Ojelabi stressed the importance of effective mobilisation, particularly the involvement of youths and canvassers, ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the election as crucial, urging party members to approach it with seriousness and determination by mobilising voters to come out in large numbers.

Oba Shotobi commended Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat for the cordial relationship between them.

He urged the duo to sustain the relationship for as long as possible, saying they are worthy of emulation ‘as far as political relationships is concerned’.

At the palace were former Works Minister Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Agriculture Commissioner Asipa Kaoli Olusanya and Second Republic Secretary to State Government Baba Aladura Reuben Olorunfunmi Bashorun.

How I will govern Lagos, by Hamzat

Hamzat promised to build a more interconnected Lagos, decentralise government services, and develop the distinctive economic advantages of the five divisions of the state, namely: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe (IBILE).

Speaking on IKD106.1 FM titled: ‘KOH Unscripted in Ikorodu,’ he said the growth of the state should be driven by a deliberate effort to harness the comparative advantages of each division, adding that his vision is to create a Lagos where residents would not have to travel to Alausa for services that could be provided within their respective divisions.

Hamzat said strategic government presence in Ikorodu, Epe, and other divisions would bring governance closer to the people and make public services more accessible.

He said residents should have easier access to government services, efficient transportation, and other essential infrastructure closer to their communities.

Hamzat stressed: ‘We must decentralise Lagos. Alausa should not be the only place where people can access government services. We should have mini-secretariats in Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe, so that perhaps 80 per cent of the services people need can be resolved within their divisions, while matters requiring further attention can be escalated to Alausa.

‘Also, each division of the state needs to develop around its unique economic strengths, and government must deliberately ‘plug into’ the opportunities available in different parts of Lagos.’

Hamzat identified Ikorodu’s potential in agriculture, food processing and transportation, promising to develop infrastructure around emerging institutions and economic activities in other divisions.

He emphasised the importance of organisation within the state, noting that reorganisation of local government administration must cover both physical and financial structures, with effective systems put in place to improve accountability, eliminate leakages and identify issues such as ghost workers.

The Deputy Governor further stressed the importance of planning Lagos as a borderless metropolitan city, noting that residents of neighbouring states also depend heavily on the State’s infrastructure and public services. He cited the example of Orile Agege General Hospital, where a significant proportion of patients come from outside Lagos, saying such realities must be taken into account in planning healthcare, transportation, water and other public infrastructure.

Hamzat assured stakeholders that the development of the State must remain inclusive, with the specific needs and opportunities of each division reflected in government planning.

While outlining plans for major transport interchanges within the state with connectivity between buses, rail and ferries, the Deputy Governor stated that such facilities would make it easier for residents in the hinterlands to move across the State and access economic opportunities. He added that Lagos, being a city blessed with water, must maximise its waterways alongside road and rail infrastructure to create a truly integrated transport system.

Hamzat further disclosed that 77 electric buses, including 30- and 40-seater models, were being introduced into the State’s transport system, stating that the use of electric vehicles would help reduce operating costs associated with diesel and petrol and could ultimately contribute to more affordable transportation for commuters.

He proposed a transport network that would connect strategic routes and terminals across the State, including Ikorodu, Badore, Victoria Island, Marina and other areas, while the expansion of rail and water transportation would provide residents with more options for daily commuting.

On healthcare, Hamzat said the growing population of the state required a corresponding expansion of healthcare infrastructure, highlighting that the Ikorodu General Hospital and other major hospitals in the State would be expanded to cope with increasing demand.

The deputy governor explained that such expansion would go beyond buildings to include providing adequate accommodation for doctors, nurses and other health workers, underscoring that healthcare facilities must be positioned to provide quality and accessible services to residents.

On water supply, he acknowledged the challenges confronting residents and explained that Lagos’ dependence on water sources located in neighbouring Ogun State required cooperation and compensation arrangements.

Hamzat said the completion of the Adiyan water project and associated pipeline infrastructure would significantly increase the State’s water supply capacity and extend access to millions more residents.

The Deputy Governor also called for greater citizen participation in the development of Lagos, accentuating that government alone could not build every institution or solve every problem. He cited that ‘Individuals and organisations in developed countries contribute to education and other areas of development. So we as citizens of this great nation must see ourselves as partners in building a better society.’

Tonto Dikeh honours mother 37 years after death

Actress Tonto Dikeh has marked what she described as ‘one of the most painful days of my life’ with an emotional tribute to her late mother.

In an Instagram post, Dikeh said she chose to celebrate her mother’s life rather than mourn her death.

‘Today happens to be one of the most painful days of my life. Yet, stepping into God’s grace has taught me that even in the deepest pain, I must learn to trust the Lord and surrender to His will,’ she wrote.

‘So today, instead of mourning the woman who was taken from me by death, I choose to celebrate her. I celebrate her strength. I celebrate her beautiful heart. I celebrate her unwavering faith and the way she carried herself before God. Today, I celebrate my mom,’ she added.

The actress revealed that she spent 37 years without a mother and only now understands the value of the word.

‘For 37 years, I lived without ever knowing what it felt like to call someone ‘Mom.’ And now, I understand just how precious that word truly is,’ she stated.

Dikeh celebrated her mother’s strength, faith and character, and urged the public to cherish their parents while they are still alive.

‘If you are blessed to still have your mother with you, please honour her. Love her. Appreciate her. Call her. Hold her a little tighter. Forgive the little disagreements. Cherish the ordinary moments, because one day, those little fights and those huge expressions of love may become the very memories you would give anything to experience again,’ she wrote.

She added that she would give ‘anything’ for one more moment with her mother, but chose gratitude instead.

‘I would give anything to be you right now to hear your voice, to have those little fights, to feel that huge love, and simply to have one more moment with you. But today, I choose gratitude over grief. I choose to celebrate the life you lived, the love you gave, and the faith you left behind,’ she said.

‘Love your parents. Honour them while you still can. Mom, wherever you are, I hope you know that you are loved, missed, and forever carried in my heart. Love and light,’ she added.

Dikeh has previously spoken publicly about her childhood and her journey to reconnect with family.

Two Jailed Over NHIS Bike Theft

The Nsuta Circuit Court in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region has sentenced two men to two years’ imprisonment each for stealing a motorcycle belonging to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at Effiduase.

The convicts, Oppong Stephen, alias Gye Nyame, 25, a trader, and Samuel Owusu Antwi, aka C-Jay, 20, a motor mechanic, both residents of Effiduase, pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing.

The court, presided over by Simon Nketiah Gagah, handed down the sentence on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Prosecuting, Inspector Nicholas Amoako told the court that the complainant, Williams Kwarteng Asare, is an accounts officer at the NHIS office at Effiduase.

He said on August 29, 2026, the complainant, after closing from work, rode an unregistered Royal motorcycle belonging to the NHIS to his residence.

He parked the motorcycle in front of his house, near the police barrier at Effiduase, and went to bed.

However, the following morning, he discovered that the motorcycle, valued at GHS16,000, was missing.

The complainant subsequently reported the matter to the Effiduase Police, who launched investigations and mounted surveillance to track down the culprits.

According to the prosecution, the surveillance led to the arrest of Stephen Oppong, who, during interrogation, admitted stealing the motorcycle.

He also named Samuel Owusu Antwi as his accomplice and disclosed that the stolen motorcycle had been kept at Samuel’s residence.

Oppong subsequently led the police to Samuel’s house at Juaben, where he was arrested.

The stolen motorcycle was retrieved and conveyed to the police station, where it was impounded as evidence.

The court further heard that the two convicts later led investigators to the scene of the crime and demonstrated how they removed the motorcycle from the complainant’s residence.

They also confessed to the offence in statements made in the presence of an independent witness.

The statements formed part of the evidence presented before the court, leading to their conviction after they pleaded guilty.

Following the conviction, the court ordered the prosecution to release the impounded motorcycle to the NHIS.

Truckers lament losses as shipping delays crash haulage rates by 50%

Haulage firms operating at the nations ports are currently lamenting over difficulty in meeting up with running bank loans and other financial obligations following the crash of haulage rates at the Apapa and Tin-Can Ports due to delays confronting international shipping because of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, by Houthi militias.

Findings by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that container haulage from Apapa to Ikeja, which used to be N500,000 now goes for N250,000, while container haulage to Sango in Ogun State which used to go for N700,000 from Apapa, now goes for N350,000.

Further checks showed that haulage rates from Apapa to Ibadan in Oyo State used to go for N900,000, but now goes for between N450,000 and N500,000.

Speaking on the development, General Secretary, Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Mr. Mohammed Sani explained that the forces of demand and supply affected the haulage rates.

According to the AMATO general secretary, ‘Sometime, when there is a surge in imports, there will be higher demand for trucks, and the higher the demand, the higher the haulage rates. The lower the demand for trucks, the lower the prices of haulage rates.

‘Due to attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi rebels in the Medittereanean, ships are taking longer routes to get to West African ports, including Nigerian ports. So, this is causing delays to vessel arrivals and ultimately leading to lower demand for trucks.

‘So, because the demand for trucks has gone down, haulage companies are settling for anyhow prices. It is because of a situation like this that AMATO has been advocating a unified harmonised rates for haulage businesses at the ports.

‘There was a time the Nigerian Shippers Council, now the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), concluded plans to introduce the harmonised rates for haulage operations in the Eastern ports, but it was rejected by the freight forwarders.’

Speaking on how a slump in haulage affects haulage businesses, Sani explained that, ‘Haulage business is all about turn-around because if you don’t get jobs, you won’t be able to meet your revenue target.

‘Most truckers run on bank loans, and to meet this financial obligation, you must get jobs. That’s why when truckers demand fall, every haulage operator struggles for whatever is available. This is why haulage cost has gone down. Everybody is struggling to survive economically.’

ADC condemns attack on its guber candidate, others in Kaduna

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the attack on its members in Kaduna State.

In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, the party said the attack represented an unacceptable escalation at a time when political activities ahead of the elections were only just beginning.

The ADC warned that no individual, group or political party has a monopoly on non-state-sanctioned violence, adding that those introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process are playing a dangerous game.

The party spokesman said once violence becomes an accepted instrument of political competition, nobody can predict where it will end.

He said this was the reason why security agencies must act now, stressing that those responsible for the attack, as well as anyone who sponsored or organised it, must be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

‘Let nobody mistake our commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness. No political party has a monopoly on non-state-sanctioned violence,’ the statement warned.

The ADC expressed solidarity with its governorship candidate, Hon. Isa Ashiru, and members affected by the incident, while calling on the Kaduna State Government to guarantee the safety of opposition parties.

‘Kaduna belongs to its people, not to any party. If anyone believes intimidation will frighten the ADC off the political field, they have badly miscalculated.

‘We will not be intimidated. We will organise, we will campaign, and we will compete in every part of Kaduna State. The 2027 elections must be decided by ideas competing at the ballot box, not by thugs and bruises.’

2027: ALGON, 23 education secretaries endorse Uba Sani for 2nd term

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Forum of 23 local government Secretaries, Kaduna State chapter, have endorsed Governor Uba Sani for a second term in office, citing what they described as remarkable transformation in the state’s basic education sector.

Speaking, the Chairman of ALGON, Kaduna State chapter, Sheikh Jamilu Abubakar, who is also Chairman of Sabon Gari Local Government Area, was represented at the event by the Vice Chairman of ALGON and Chairman Kajuru LGA, Dauda Madaki.

Madaki said he was speaking on behalf of the ALGON chairman and the association’s Kaduna State chapter.

‘On behalf of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Kaduna State chapter, we join the Forum of Education Secretaries to celebrate the remarkable progress made in basic education across Kaduna State,’ he said.

‘As local government leaders, working closely with education support groups and communities, we are witnessing first-hand the transformation taking place in our schools, more children enrolled, more classrooms, more teachers trained and deployed, and a renewed sense of hope among parents that quality education is within the reach of their children.’

Madaki commended Governor Sani for what he described as the political will and consistent investment in the education sector.

He pledged ALGON’s continued support for community mobilisation, increased school enrolment, engagement with School-Based Management Committees and collaboration with the state government.

In the same vein, the Forum of Education Secretaries in Kaduna State and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, have endorsed Governor Uba Sani for a second term in office, citing what they described as remarkable transformation in the state’s basic education sector.

The endorsement was made in Kaduna on Thursday at a press conference addressed by the Chairman of the Forum of Education Secretaries, Adamu Mu’azu.

The conference, titled ‘Celebrating Extraordinary Transformation of Basic Education under the Leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, Executive Governor of Kaduna State, 2023-2026,’ reviewed interventions in school infrastructure, teacher recruitment and welfare, instructional materials, water and sanitation, vocational facilities and community participation.

Mu’azu said the forum had reviewed developments across the local government education authorities and consequently passed a vote of confidence in the administration of Governor Uba Sani.

‘Having reviewed the developments within our respective local government education authorities and the documented innovations presented in this statement, the Forum of Education Secretaries of the State passes a vote of confidence in the administration of His Excellency,’ he said.

The forum also expressed support for the governor’s reported political team ahead of the 2027 election.

Mu’azu, who spoke on behalf of education secretaries serving the 23 local government education authorities, said the assessment was based on records and realities observed in schools and communities across the state.

Salam Mustapha Withdraws From NPP Organiser Race

National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has withdrawn from the contest for National Organiser in the party’s upcoming national officers elections.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the National Officers Elections Committee, Mr. Mustapha formally communicated his decision to pull out of the race.

‘I write to formally communicate my decision to withdraw from the contest for the position of National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),’ he stated. According to him, the decision was a difficult one, particularly considering the encouragement, goodwill and overwhelming support he received from party members, delegates, colleagues and well-wishers across the country.

He, however, noted that due to circumstances beyond his control, he is unable to continue with his candidature. Mr. Mustapha emphasised that his withdrawal does not diminish his commitment to the NPP or to the ideals and values of its tradition.

‘My dedication to the Party remains firm, and I will continue to serve and contribute towards its unity, rebuilding and electoral success, and also to make Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the next president of Ghana,’ he said.

He expressed gratitude to all who believed in his vision and supported his journey, appealing to his supporters to accept the decision in good faith and remain united.

‘Political positions may come and go, but our commitment to the NPP and the future of our Party must remain greater than any individual ambition,’ he added.

He wished the party and all candidates participating in the internal electoral process well, noting that their actions must ultimately strengthen the party and position it for victory in the future.

Iran’s new maritime restrictions put Hormuz under greater strain

The problem of transit through the Strait of Hormuz is beginning to affect an increasing number of countries. The volume of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transported through the strait has already fallen by 92 percent. But that’s not the worst part. On September 9, Iran announced the creation of a new maritime “exclusion zone” or “restricted zone” in the Persian Gulf, which, according to Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezai, will begin at the borders of the American blockade of Iranian ports and extend to parts of the Gulf. Thus, any vessel entering the zone will be placed on Iran’s sanctions list.

In the last quarter of the previous year, 21.6 million barrels of oil per day passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Following the outbreak of the US-Iran war, this figure fell to 4.9 million barrels per day in the second quarter of this year. Over the same period, LNG flows through the strait declined from 10.5 billion cubic feet per day to 800 million cubic feet. As a result, oil volumes passing through the Strait of Hormuz fell by 77 percent over the period in question, while LNG shipments declined by 92 percent. The sharp drop in LNG flows points to a much deeper disruption to liquefied gas transportation along this strategically important route.

According to the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), around one-fifth of global LNG supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the only maritime route used by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their LNG exports. As the conflict intensified, the global LNG market experienced a significant decline between March and June. During this period, more than 300 LNG cargoes from Qatar and around 20 from the UAE could not be delivered.

Company Clarksons Research also shows how the difference between oil and LNG flows is reflected in tanker traffic. During the week of June 21-27, 66 crude oil tankers and 16 LNG vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz. In the week of August 23-29, however, only four crude oil tankers made the passage.

India has felt the consequences of the decline in transit particularly sharply. The country is the world’s second-largest importer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) after China. India consumes more than 33 million tonnes of LPG annually, of which 13.1 million tonnes are supplied by domestic production and processing. The remaining volumes are imported from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Between March and July, India received only 60 percent of the volumes it had purchased from the Persian Gulf during the same period last year. With storage capacity limited, importers have turned to the US market.

LPG supertankers are now forced to travel along the Atlantic coast, round Africa’s Cape of Good Hope and continue through the Indian Ocean. Previously, a voyage from the Persian Gulf to the Indian port of Haldia took around two weeks. The new route from the US Gulf Coast takes more than 45 days each way. The full delivery-and-return cycle has therefore increased to three months, while freight costs have risen by 30 percent.

Europe has also been hit hard. Following an unusually hot summer and amid risks to LNG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, the European fuel market is becoming increasingly volatile. Having moved away from Russian gas, the EU now relies on supplies from the US and Norway for almost 60 percent of its needs, making a fresh price spike potentially a greater threat this winter than an actual hydrocarbon shortage. The European Union is entering the winter season with its lowest gas storage level in 15 years, at 65.6 percent. Among the most vulnerable EU countries is Germany, Europe’s traditional industrial powerhouse. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), underground gas storage facilities were only 65.6 percent full at the beginning of September – the lowest level recorded for this period since 2011.

Disruptions to supplies from the Middle East have also affected the wider Asian market, which has an annual turnover of $80 billion. In China, the world’s largest consumer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), petrochemical companies have been forced to scale back production in an effort to reduce fuel consumption. Indonesia, where more than three-quarters of LPG consumption is covered by imports due to insufficient domestic processing capacity, has also come under price pressure. In April, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Russia to discuss direct energy supplies and ways to diversify imports.

After six months of war, the Strait of Hormuz has effectively ceased to function as a normal trade route. According to Kpler, an average of only around 10 vessels a day passed through the strait in the 10 days to September 8, the lowest level since May. On September 7, just seven cargo vessels passed through the waterway. The Gulf states, which were considered a benchmark of stability before the war, are bearing much of the burden of the conflict. They are increasing security spending and diversifying their international partnerships. For instance, in the UAE, work on pipelines designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz is being expanded, while ports outside the strait are experiencing a surge in activity.

Experts point to significant structural differences between oil and LNG transportation and infrastructure. Oil benefits from a larger and more flexible tanker fleet, as well as extensive storage capacity, while LNG lacks the same degree of flexibility. Differences in oil and LNG transportation are shaped by tanker fleets, storage facilities, vessel costs, security risks and the geographical concentration of LNG export infrastructure.

Security risks in the Strait of Hormuz are therefore having a direct impact on energy transportation. While a limited number of oil tankers continue to pass through the strait, disruptions are proving far more pronounced in LNG transportation.

While senior US and Iranian officials argue over who controls the Strait of Hormuz and how it should be used, countries continue to suffer heavy losses. The most negative scenario may not be a formal declaration of a complete blockade, but a prolonged period of uncertainty. Iran does not necessarily have to block every vessel from passing through the strait. It is enough for shipowners, insurers and captains to consider Hormuz too dangerous. In that case, the strait would remain formally open but become almost impassable for commercial shipping. As we noted earlier in the article, insurance costs are also rising rapidly. After all, why take on a route that offers no guarantees of safe passage?

U.S. ban some Canadian imports

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to ban the import of certain Canadian goods into the United States starting September 29. The measures will affect, among other products, certain types of alcohol, dairy products, and motorcycles. The White House announced the decision in documents published on September 8.

According to the documents, the listed goods will be ‘prohibited from being imported into the United States’ starting September 29. Washington justified the decision by citing what it described as ‘discriminatory actions’ by Canada in the trade sector.

The United States has also expanded the list of Canadian products subject to 50% tariffs. These measures will take effect on September 15 and will cover certain aluminum and steel products, furniture, and paper goods. At the same time, some products, including cement and industrial salt, have been excluded from the list.

On September 8, Trump also instructed U.S. government agencies to exclude Canadian products from federal procurement programs worth around $50 billion annually. The move could put additional pressure on Canadian businesses and further escalate tensions between the two countries.

In August, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that Ottawa had rejected a bilateral trade agreement that Washington considered beneficial. Against this backdrop, 50% U.S. tariffs on certain categories of Canadian goods came into effect on August 22.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Ottawa had suspended trade negotiations with Washington and announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on American products. Carney said that a ‘trade war’ had already begun between the two countries and argued that Washington was responsible for starting it.

Trump later announced plans to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian cars, auto parts, and steel starting January 1, 2027. Meanwhile, Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products came into effect on September 8.

The escalating dispute is now affecting an increasing number of industries and could have significant consequences for businesses and consumers in both countries. The automotive sector is particularly vulnerable because U.S. and Canadian manufacturers rely heavily on cross-border supply chains, with parts often crossing the border several times before a vehicle is completed.

Interestingly, the United States and Canada are among each other’s largest trading partners. This means that a prolonged trade conflict could have an impact far beyond individual companies, potentially increasing prices for consumers and putting additional pressure on industries on both sides of the border.