Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week

Industry insiders say companies are opting to wait and see as the clock ticks down on U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest deadline, rather than rushing shipments across the border to beat the buzzer. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump speak at a working luncheon during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov – The Canadian Press

TORONTO — Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week:

Inflation

Statistics Canada will release its July reading for inflation on Monday when it publishes its consumer price index for the month. The annual rate of inflation slowed to 2.8 per cent in June amid a 10 per cent drop in the cost of gasoline month-over-month.

A “for sale” sign is seen in front of a home in Laval, Que., on Friday, July 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Home sales

The Canadian Real Estate Association is expected to release home sales figures for July on Tuesday. In its updated outlook for 2026 published last month, the association said it expects national home sales to decline 1.4 per cent this year, marking a reversal from its April forecast of a one per cent gain.

New tariffs

A new round of 50 per cent tariffs from the U.S. on nearly US$20 billion worth of Canadian goods is set to take effect Wednesday. Unlike most of President Donald Trump’s other tariffs, the duties would not exempt goods that comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump, right, arrives to a G7 working session at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Cross-border travel

Statistics Canada will release data on Thursday detailing travel between Canada and other countries for June. In May, the number of Canadian-resident return trips from the United States increased 9.9 per cent year-over-year, while trips to Canada by U.S. residents jumped 13 per cent. Canadian-resident return trips from overseas rose 3.3 per cent that month, while trips to Canada by overseas residents increased 6.2 per cent.

The American and Canadian flags fly at the halfway point of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor, Ont., on the first day open to vehicles, Monday, July 27, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dax Melmer

Retail sales

On Friday, Statistics Canada will release its retail trade figures for June. The agency said last month that its early estimate suggested a gain in retail sales of 0.4 per cent in June. Retail sales in May were up one per cent at $73.7 billion.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 16, 2026.

The Canadian Press