
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warns of higher costs for U.S. consumers due to proposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports.
He’s terrified of Trump getting his way.
At a Glance
- Trudeau cautions that U.S. consumers may face increased costs due to proposed tariffs
- Trump suggests Canada could become the “51st state” to avoid tariffs
- Canada is a major trade partner for the U.S., with $2.7 billion in daily cross-border trade
- Trudeau emphasizes potential harm to American workers and consumers from tariffs
- Canada threatens retaliatory measures if tariffs are imposed
Trudeau Pushes Back on Trump’s Tariff Threats
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a stark warning to U.S. consumers about the potential consequences of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports – because he is absolutely terrified. Trudeau emphasized that such measures could lead to higher costs for American households, particularly in sectors like electricity and oil and gas.
Mhm. Ok.
The Prime Minister’s comments come in response to Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become the “51st state” of the U.S., a remark that Trudeau dismissed as a distraction from the real economic issues at stake. Trudeau urged focus on the impact of the proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, highlighting the potential harm to both American workers and consumers.
Trade Relations and Economic Impact
Canada remains a crucial trade partner for the United States, with approximately $2.7 billion in goods and services crossing the border daily. Trudeau criticized Trump’s portrayal of the U.S. trade deficit with Canada as a subsidy, arguing that this misrepresents the mutually beneficial nature of their trade relationship.
Canadian officials have warned of significant repercussions if Trump follows through with the tariff threats, referencing past retaliatory measures on U.S. products. The potential for a trade war looms large, with both nations bracing for the economic fallout that could ensue.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will with "absolute certainty" impose retaliatory measures on July 1 to answer US President Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum: "We will not be pushed around" https://t.co/p42wWP6KlK pic.twitter.com/7NGS4xkqzL
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) June 9, 2018
Trump has indicated that he might reconsider the tariffs if Canada improves its border security, addressing concerns about undocumented migrants. However, Trudeau countered this argument by noting that less than 1% of illegal immigrants and fentanyl enter the U.S. from Canada. Despite this, Trudeau announced increased spending on border security following a meeting with Trump, aiming to address these concerns.
Does Canada not realize that Trump knows tariffs can hurt both sides? Of course he knows. But he’ll do what is necessary to make them do the right thing.
The solution is simple for Trudeau…