Leaked audio reportedly captures US vice-president JD Vance mocking Canada’s position in a difficult trade negotiation and taunting Prime Minister Mark Carney for attempting to "out-tough" Donald Trump. At a fundraiser in Southampton, New York, Vance called Carney a "very sweet guy" but said Canada had "climb[ed] down on a lot of issues." The recording was shared with the Canadian Press as officials said a deal was close that could restore US alcohol sales across Canada in exchange for avoiding the worst of Trump’s threatened 50% tariffs. Trump initially planned to impose the tariffs from 19 August before announcing a three-day pause on Tuesday. The White House said the tariffs would retaliate against what it called Canada’s "discriminatory treatment," including bans on US alcohol in eight of 10 provinces and all three territories. US alcohol imports into Canada are down about 81% year-on-year. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said Carney had asked provinces to return US alcohol to store shelves, though Kinew urged Canadians to keep boycotting US products and said Canada should stand firm.