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Trump Pushes Iran Strike Deadline Into April Amid Intensifying Regional Tensions

Onlookers watch from a window the site of a residential building damaged by a strike, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 27, 2026.  U.S. President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its energy infrastructure, moving the cutoff to April 6 at 8 p.m. EDT (April 7 GMT) . The decision follows Tehran’s rejection of a 15‑point U.S. proposal aimed at ending the conflict, which has already spread across the Middle East and disrupted global energy markets.  The conflict, now in its fourth week, has resulted in thousands of casualties and sent oil and fertilizer prices soaring, fueling global inflation concerns. The United States and Israel began striking Iranian targets on February 28 after nuclear negotiations failed to produce a deal. Trump stated that talks are “going very well,” though Iran denies any direct engagement with Washington.  Trump’s extension comes after he previously pau...

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Canada Posts $1 Billion Trade Deficit in April

 

Canada recorded a merchandise trade deficit of $1.0 billion in April, according to Statistics Canada. This result follows a revised deficit of $2.0 billion for March, which was initially reported as $2.3 billion.

Here are the key points:

  • Exports:
    • Total exports in April increased by 2.6% to $64.4 billion.
    • Exports of energy products rose by 2.7%, with natural gas exports surging by 60.1%.
    • Crude oil exports also gained 3.0%.
    • Metal and non-metallic mineral products exports rose by 4.7%, driven by unwrought gold, silver, and platinum group metals.
  • Imports:
    • Total imports rose by 1.1% to $65.5 billion in April.
    • Imports of motor vehicles and parts increased by 4.2%.
    • Imports of aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts surged by 23.7%, including the delivery of several ships.
  • Trade in Services:
    • Canada’s monthly international trade in services deficit increased to $1.1 billion in April.
    • Imports of services rose by 1.1% to $18.0 billion, while exports of services remained essentially unchanged at $16.9 billion.
  • Combined Trade Deficit:
    • When goods and services are combined, Canada’s total trade deficit with the world was $2.2 billion in April, compared to $2.9 billion in March.

Economists expect further export gains due to higher oil pipeline capacity and one-off events in the auto sector, while imports may decline due to weak domestic demand and elevated inventory levels.


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