Oliver Ward
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🇬🇧 in 🇺🇸 Trade reporter at @politico. Formerly @agripulse, @insidetrade. Into graphs. Tips & coffee invites welcome: oward@politico.com
Articles by Oliver Ward
Why Trump's trade war with Canada is poised to drag past the midterms
The U.S.-Canada trade standoff is threatening to stretch past the midterm elections. The White House is shrugging off the threat. With a week to go before Canada imposes its retaliatory tariffs — aimed at key industries in states like Ohio and Texas with competitive Senate elections — tensions between Washington and Ottawa are at a steady simmer, with no sign of de-escalation.
Getting through to officials on tariffs
— The Trump administration has offered some tariff relief for ag equipment, but producers are struggling to tell officials what that should involve. — A senior Maine Republican is urging the United States and Canada to get back to the negotiating table. — House lawmakers are set to vote on a bill to beef up trade enforcement. It's Monday, Aug. 31. Welcome to Morning Trade at the end of what has to be one of the busiest Augusts in recent memory for trade wonks. Got news tips? Want to grab a coffee?
Buying or selling a boat in the UK: resolving problems from a survey or sea trial
For buyers, a negative survey or sea trial does not mean the transaction is over. Instead, negotiations can begin. In this briefing, Oliver Ward explains why surveys and sea trials are needed and the options available if there are any issues identified with the vessel. Surveys and sea trials A survey allows for an independent assessment of the boat’s condition.
The auto industry is at the center of Trump's trade war. They want a way out.
The auto industry would face an existential crisis if the U.S. and Canada don't cool their trade war over the next four months. But the sector's lobbyists are treading cautiously as they try to nudge the Trump administration back to the table. The stakes are clear. Take Ford's F-Series Super Duty truck, made in a new plant in Windsor, Ontario. Its transmission comes from Ohio. Its axles come from Michigan. Its engine comes from Ontario.
The auto industry is at the center of Trump’s trade war. They want a way out.
The auto industry would face an existential crisis if the U.S. and Canada don't cool their trade war over the next four months. But the sector's lobbyists are treading cautiously as they try to nudge the Trump administration back to the table. The stakes are clear. Take Ford's F-Series Super Duty truck, made in a new plant in Windsor, Ontario. Its transmission comes from Ohio. Its axles come from Michigan. Its engine comes from Ontario.
Trump eskaluje wojnę handlową z Kanadą. Jednego nie przewidział. "To USA mają więcej do stracenia"
Amerykanie nie są aż tak bojowo nastawieni do konfliktu celnego jak ich północni sąsiedzi, którzy od miesięcy kipią ze złości z powodu retoryki Trumpa wymierzonej w ich kraj. "Stany Zjednoczone zawsze będą znacznie większe, bogatsze i silniejsze niż Kanada" — napisał Trump w kolejnym poście na Truth Social.
Canada has one important edge in the North American trade war
Melania Trump 6 hours ago Donald Trump’s Tense Chat With Melania Before She Left Decoded By Lip Reader AOL - Devanshi Basu • 6h A lip reader has decoded a tense exchange between Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. The couple attended the IndyCar event together, but cameras captured what appeared to be a strained conversation as Melania leaned in to whisper to the president before … Rob Ford 3 hours ago Trump threatens to change name of Lake Ontario...
The US has the economic strength to withstand a Canadian trade war. Does it have the political will?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 5 hours ago US set for largest mass visa revocation in history targeting up to 200,000 foreigners, officials say NPR - The Associated Press • 5h WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum status in the United States.
The US has the economic strength to withstand a Canadian trade war. Does it have the political will?
President Donald Trump is threatening Canada with economic destruction amid an escalating trade war. He's not factoring in one key U.S. disadvantage. Americans are not nearly as gung-ho for a tariff stand-off as their northern neighbors, who have been seething for months over Trump's rhetoric against their country. "The U.S.A. will always be far bigger, richer, and stronger than Canada," Trump wrote in a second Truth Social post.
Trump announces 50 percent tariff on Canadian vehicles, steel after trade talks collapse
Tariffs 6 hours ago Trump vows to double Canada auto tariffs to 50%, escalating trade war USA TODAY - Joey Garrison • 6h WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said he's doubling tariffs on imported automobiles and auto parts from Canada to a rate of 50%, further escalating a trade war with the United States' northern neighbor that erupted over the weekend after negotiations between the two countries collapsed. Trump … Climate 6 hours ago Trump tried to curb clean energy. It’s booming anyway.
Buying or selling a boat: key clauses to consider in the boat purchase agreement
In this briefing, Oliver Ward outlines the key provisions of a BPA and how they can align expectations and ensure the transaction progresses smoothly, whether you are buying or selling a boat. 1. Clearly identifying the boat The BPA should accurately describe the boat that is the subject of the transaction.
72 godziny, które doprowadziły do wojny handlowej między USA a Kanadą
W piątek po południu przedstawiciel USA ds. handlu Jamieson Greer wszedł na spotkanie z kanadyjskimi urzędnikami z ponurą miną. Od ponad tygodnia prowadził negocjacje z najwyższymi kanadyjskimi urzędnikami ds. handlu. Obie strony były kusząco blisko zawarcia porozumienia, które przełamałoby trwający ponad rok impas w stosunkach dyplomatycznych i gospodarczych. Dwaj północnoamerykańscy sąsiedzi uzgodnili ogólne ramy porozumienia. Poinformowano o tym grupy branżowe i zainteresowane strony.
Inside the 72 hours that cratered the US-Canada trade deal
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U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer entered a meeting with Canadian officials Friday afternoon with a frown. For more than a week, Greer had been in wall-to-wall negotiations with Canada's top trade officials, and the two sides were tantalizingly close to striking a deal that would break through more than a year of icy diplomatic and economic relations. The two North American neighbors had agreed on the overarching framework. Industry groups and stakeholders had been briefed.
By Daniel Desrochers Verified, Megan Messerly Verified, Nick Taylor-Vaisey Verified, Ari Hawkins, Oliver Ward Verified
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Yahoo
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POLITICO Pro: US officials circulate draft text of Canada deal
Industries gave feedback on a draft of the text on Thursday, which included U.S. tariff reductions for autos, aluminum and a set volume of steel. The Trump administration on Thursday began circulating a draft trade agreement with Canada to lower some tariffs and other trade barriers after a more than year-long standoff.
Trump is trying to wage an ambitious trade war with a shrinking army
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has hit a staffing low point even as its workload expands exponentially. Former officials say it is taking a toll. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer arrives at the National Palace in Mexico City on July 23, 2026. | Yuri Cortez/AFP via Getty Images 08/19/2026 10:00 AM EDT The staff of the tiny agency on the front lines of President Donald Trump 's trade wars has shrunk to its smallest size in two decades as its responsibilities balloon.
Trump is weighing whether to grant Canada a tariff reprieve Original
A deal to avoid 50 percent duties on some Canadian goods is on Trump's desk, as Ottawa and Washington work towards a broader trade agreement. President Donald Trump speaks with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney during a work lunch as part of the G7 summit, in Evian, eastern France, on June 16, 2026.
Trump is weighing whether to grant Canada a tariff reprieve
World News 1 day ago The Trump-Kim Jong Un bromance comes roaring back Vox - by Cameron Peters • 1d A new test for the US-South Korea relationship as Trump curtails joint military exercises. This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day. Subscribe here.
Canada talks roll on as tariff deadline looms
— Canadian trade negotiators spent the weekend in Washington as the two governments explore off-ramps ahead of the next tariff deadline. — A Moroccan fertilizer giant reenters the U.S. market after a tariff suspension. — The Department of Homeland Security issues new Jones Act guidance to boost U.S.-flagged vessels. It's Monday, Aug. 17. Welcome to Morning Trade. Got news tips? Want to grab a coffee?
Buying or selling a boat in the UK: the essential legal checks
In the first instalment of our boat transactions series, Peter Jeffery and Oliver Ward outline the key legal considerations when buying or selling a boat to help support a smoother transaction, protect against disputes and facilitate a clear transfer of ownership. 1. Establishing ownership and title A critical first consideration to any acquisition is whether the seller has the legal right to sell the boat. Boat purchases are no different.
Boat transactions guide: everything you need to know when buying or selling a boat
To help buyers and sellers understand the legal issues involved, Peter Jeffery and Oliver Ward from the corporate and commercial team in Southampton have produced a series of insights examining the key legal and practical considerations in boat transactions. This five-part guide covers the key stages of a boat transaction, from preparing a vessel for sale and carrying out due diligence to negotiating the purchase agreement and dealing with issues identified during a survey or sea trial.
POLITICO Pro: Greer, Chinese ambassador met ahead of planned Trump-Xi summit
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with China's U.S. ambassador last week to lay the groundwork for a scheduled September summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The meeting between Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng and Greer, disclosed by three people granted anonymity to discuss details that have not been made public, comes as the two countries work to flesh out the U.S.-China Board of Trade.
The House's trade to-do list
— The Senate passed a pair of trade measures in a pre-recess blitz, but both face fresh challenges in the House. — A progressive group is raising the alarm over a lack of transparency in President Donald Trump's critical mineral deals. — The Trump administration is defending its tariff policies after a lackluster jobs report. It's Monday, Aug. 10. Welcome to Morning Trade. Got news tips? Want to grab a coffee?
E&E News: Senate passes Russia sanctions bill
ENERGYWIRE | The Senate voted 86 to 11 to pass the sweeping Russia sanctions bill championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on Friday, advancing legislation that would give the White House more leverage against Moscow as it seeks to end the war in Ukraine — and a brand new tariff tool. Now that the bill has cleared the upper chamber, it’s up to lawmakers in the House to determine its fate when they return in September.
E&E NEWS PM | The Senate voted 86 to 11 to pass the sweeping Russia sanctions bill championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on Friday, advancing legislation that would give the White House more leverage against Moscow as it seeks to end the war in Ukraine — and a brand new tariff tool. Now that the bill has cleared the upper chamber, it’s up to lawmakers in the House to determine its fate when they return in September.
Senate passes Russia sanctions bill
The Senate voted 86 to 11 to pass the sweeping Russia sanctions bill championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on Friday, advancing legislation that would give the White House more leverage against Moscow as it seeks to end the war in Ukraine — and a brand new tariff tool. Now that the bill has cleared the upper chamber, it's up to lawmakers in the House to determine its fate when they return in September. President Donald Trump has already signaled he would sign the bill if it lands on his desk.
Ag-state senators still see cause for higher tariffs
— Farm-state senators argue steep tariffs are a key part of the president's tool kit to counter Russian aggression despite agricultural industries' vulnerability to retaliation. — President Donald Trump unveiled higher tariffs on quartz countertops, wrapping a monthslong trade investigation. — The European Union is becoming less susceptible to Trump's trade pressure tactics. It's Monday, Aug. 3. Welcome to Morning Trade. Got news tips? Want to grab a coffee?
The US is asking countries to step up forced labor enforcement. Its own is weakening.
President Donald Trump's latest wave of tariffs are based on allegations that other countries aren't doing enough to combat forced labor. At the same time, his administration has quietly pulled back enforcement of a U.S. ban on goods made with Chinese forced labor as it tries to maintain a trade truce with Beijing.
Trump's tariff hangover
— The fallout from President Donald Trump's tariff spree last week continues as trade frictions with allies mount and uncertainty climbs. — The fight over the de minimis exemption is moving to a new legislative front. — A Pennsylvania Democrat is introducing a slate of bills to rebuild U.S. manufacturing, insisting Democrats need to offer more on industrial policy than opposing Trump's tariffs. It's Monday, July 27. Welcome to Morning Trade. Got news tips? Want to grab a coffee?
Confirmados los nuevos aranceles de EEUU y Trump a decenas de países por todo el mundo
La Administración de Donald Trump aprobó este jueves nuevos aranceles de dos dígitos para decenas de socios comerciales de Estados Unidos, en un intento por reconstruir el amplio sistema arancelario que fue invalidado por el Tribunal Supremo el pasado mes de febrero.
Trump finalizes new tariffs on dozens of countries Original
The Trump administration on Thursday finalized new double-digit tariffs on dozens of U.S. trading partners as it seeks to reconstitute sweeping duties struck down by the Supreme Court in February. The new duties, which range from 10 to 12.5%, follow a five-month investigation into trading partners' efforts to root out products made with forced labor from their supply chains and are set to take effect just as a temporary global 10% tariff expires.
Trump finalizes new tariffs on dozens of countries
The Trump administration on Thursday finalized new double-digit tariffs on dozens of U.S. trading partners as it seeks to reconstitute sweeping duties struck down by the Supreme Court in February. The new duties, which range from 10 to 12.5 percent, follow a five-month investigation into trading partners' efforts to root out products made with forced labor from their supply chains and are set to take effect just as a temporary global 10 percent tariff expires.
POLITICO Pro: US trade chief warns Google fine could threaten Turnberry deal
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer accused the European Union of adopting an "increasingly aggressive" approach and undermining recent talks on its digital trade practices. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Thursday accused the European Union of creating renewed instability in the transatlantic trade relationship after it slapped a $1 billion on Google.
US trade chief warns Google fine could threaten Turnberry deal
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Thursday accused the European Union of creating renewed instability in the transatlantic trade relationship after it slapped a $1 billion on Google. European Union regulators found the U.S. internet search giant unfairly boosted its own shopping, hotel, transportation and sports results relative to its competitors and restricted app developers’ communications with users in its Play Store, running afoul of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act.
Trump trade chief downplays fallout from Canada tariffs: ‘This is business’
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Wednesday he is confident that fresh U.S. tariff threats on Canada won't jeopardize trade relations with the United States' northern neighbor. But he offered no sign that negotiations with Ottawa have advanced, or that the administration plans to abandon its monthslong push for separate, one-on-one talks with Canada and Mexico on extending their North American trade pact.
Trump says he will impose tariffs on generic drugs starting in August 2028
World News 2 hours ago WATCH: 'You, sir, are the failure,' Sen. Peters tells Hegseth over lack of U.S. strategy in Iran war PBS News - Maria Ramirez Uribe • 2h Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., told Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday that he has failed U.S. troops. Watch the clip in the video player … 1:57 6 hours ago 'Ma'am, are you a white supremacist?': GOP lawmaker confronts Smithsonian director New York Post • 6h Texas Rep.
Trump says he will impose tariffs on generic drugs starting in August 2028
If implemented, tariffs on generic drugs would be set at 100 percent and rise to 200 percent a year later. President Donald Trump attends a tour of a Thermo Fisher Scientific facility on March 11 in Reading, Ohio. | Andrew Harnik/Getty Images 07/21/2026 08:11 PM EDT President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a plan to impose a 100 percent tariff on generic drugs starting in August 2028 as part of a bid to push pharmaceutical production back to the United States.
E&E News: Trump threatens 50 percent tariff hike on Canadian goods
The tariffs, which are scheduled to go into effect in one month, up the ante in North American trade negotiations. GREENWIRE | President Donald Trump on Monday announced that he will impose a 50 percent tariff on some Canadian goods, ratcheting up the trade war between the two countries after months of political tension.
Trump threatens 50 percent tariff hike on Canadian goods Original
The tariffs, which are scheduled to go into effect in one month, up the ante in North American trade negotiations. President Donald Trump speaks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, at a working lunch with leaders of G7 and the Middle East in Evian-les-Bains, France, on June 16.
US industries to join Greer's Mexico trip
— Industry officials will tag along on U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's trip this week to Mexico, where he'll participate in the third round of bilateral talks on updating a North American trade pact. — European lawmakers are in Washington for talks on drug pricing, as a Republican proposal to create a chief pharmaceutical negotiator picks up support. — eBay argues its sellers are unintended casualties in an effort to keep low-value Chinese goods out of the U.S. market.
E&E News: All the trade promises the EU and the US never meant to keep
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A year after Donald Trump shook hands with Ursula von der Leyen on a trade deal, POLITICO assesses how their commitments have held up. ENERGYWIRE | BRUSSELS — When Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump struck their trade truce at his Scottish golf club last July, they made fulsome promises to each other — to reduce tariffs, boost energy purchases, ease green and tech regulations, and cooperate on artificial intelligence.
By Camille Gijs Verified, Ben Munster Verified, Oliver Ward Verified, Marianne Gros Verified, Ari Hawkins Verified, Chris Lunday Verified, Pieter Haeck Verified
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POLITICO Pro
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All the trade promises the EU and the US never meant to keep
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BRUSSELS — When Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump struck their trade truce at his Scottish golf club last July, they made fulsome promises to each other — to reduce tariffs, boost energy purchases, ease green and tech regulations, and cooperate on artificial intelligence. Nearly a year on, many of the commitments made at Turnberry are proving hard to keep.
By Camille Gijs Verified, Ben Munster Verified, Oliver Ward Verified, Marianne Gros Verified, Ari Hawkins Verified, Chris Lunday Verified, Pieter Haeck Verified
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POLITICO Europe
Verified
E&E News: US finalizes tariff hike on Brazilian imports, exempts notable products
The new 25 percent duty will go into effect July 22. GREENWIRE | The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is pressing ahead with a proposed 25 percent tariff on Brazilian exports, it announced Wednesday, but will exempt many key goods from the country. The duties are set to go into effect July 22.
France, others in talks with US to avoid trade probes into drug pricing
France and other countries are in discussions with U.S. officials to avoid new trade investigations into their pharmaceutical pricing practices, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Tuesday. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative last month launched an investigation into Germany’s drug pricing policies under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which gives the president the authority to levy tariffs in response to unfair trade practices.
POLITICO Pro: France, others in talks with US to avoid trade probes into pharmaceutical pricing
The U.S. trade representative has told several countries they could face investigations similar to Germany's, spurring discussions over possible off-ramps. France and other countries are in discussions with U.S. officials to avoid new trade investigations into their pharmaceutical pricing practices, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Tuesday.
Industries look to shape ‘board of trade' with China
— Businesses weighed in on the proposed “board of trade” with China, arguing that formalizing much of its activities would be key for restoring trade stability. — A key statutory deadline for the administration's proposed Brazil tariffs lands this week. — A Commerce Department program to promote artificial intelligence exports gets off to a bumpy start. It's Monday, July 13. Welcome to Morning Trade. Got news tips? Want to grab a coffee?
POLITICO Pro: Shakeup of senior officials at USTR continues
A top official in Geneva will return to Washington to take on the Europe and Middle East portfolio. A top official at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative serving at the World Trade Organization is returning to Washington this fall to take over as assistant U.S. trade representative for Europe and the Middle East, according to three people familiar with the plans.
US officials compiling 'menu' of Spanish goods, as Trump weighs embargo
The Trump administration is preparing a list of Spanish goods to potentially embargo, after President Donald Trump ordered officials to cut off trade with the European nation Thursday morning. The Treasury Department will be working with the U.S. trade representative and Commerce Department to provide Trump “a menu of Spanish products that may be embargoed in the coming days,” a U.S.official said via email.
US officials compiling 'menu' of Spanish goods, as Trump weighs embargo
The Trump administration is preparing a list of Spanish goods to potentially embargo, after President Donald Trump ordered officials to cut off trade with the European nation Thursday morning. The Treasury Department will be working with the U.S. trade representative and Commerce Department to provide Trump "a menu of Spanish products that may be embargoed in the coming days," a U.S.official said via email.
POLITICO Pro: Bolsonaro’s son pressed Trump to drop proposed Brazil tariffs
The Brazilian presidential hopeful told officials at a hearing on Tuesday he lobbied U.S. leadership last month to suspend the duties. The son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro lobbied President Donald Trump and members of his administration not to impose new tariffs on Brazil, he told officials Tuesday. Flávio Bolsonaro, currently a far-right Brazilian senator, and his father are staunch Trump allies.
Nations push back on forced labor findings
— Foreign governments are rejecting U.S. claims that they aren't taking sufficient steps to root out products made with forced labor from their supply chains. — A New York Republican is trying to launch a trade investigation into Canadian restrictions on U.S. liquor. — What does a change in Downing Street mean for trade relations between the United States and the United Kingdom? It's Monday, July 6. Welcome to Morning Trade. Got news tips? Want to grab a coffee?
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