Experts Sharpen Trump’s Tariffs: Canada’s Economy Is Stumbling

(AFP, Ottawa, 26th) US President Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs after taking office Some experts have warned that the Canadian economy could face a blow “catastrophic” Canadian leaders are busy today to minimize the impact.

Trump said yesterday that he would impose a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods exported to the United States to pressure neighboring countries to crack down on drugs and illegal immigration across the border

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said today that he had a “good” conversation with Trump just after Trump announced new tariff measures yesterday.

“We will be talking about how the strong and effective ties between our two countries flow back and forth and some of the challenges that we can address together,” Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. .

Meanwhile, Trudeau has already called heads of ministries to try to lobby US congressmen and members of Trump’s inner circle, and he plans to hold talks with regional governors tomorrow to to urge the United Front to formulate countermeasures.

Trudeau’s Liberal Party government could face an election in the coming months, with opinion polls showing it is lagging far behind its Conservative Party rivals.

Ian Lee, a professor at Carleton University, told AFP that the US tariffs would have a “catastrophic” impact on the Canadian economy and Trudeau’s re-election campaign.

He pointed out that “in terms of employment, 1.9 million people in Canada depend on trade,” and predicted that the US-Canada trade rift would cause the Canadian dollar to fall and inflation to rise. But he also said that Trump’s threat may have been a “negotiating tactic.” He does it to make us calm down.”

Genevieve Dufour, a trade law expert at the University of Ottawa, said the US move would be illegal and would prompt Canada to take counter-tariff measures. “Canadian businesses demand action.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Trump’s tariff plan an “insult.” Ontario is Canada’s largest province and economic engine.

“It’s like a family member stabbing you in the heart,” said Ford, recalling Canada’s once close relationship with its southern neighbor the United States.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault said the U.S. tariffs pose a “huge threat” to the Canadian economy. British Columbia Premier David Eby said: “Ottawa must respond firmly.”

Canadian officials say the goal of the Trudeau government is to show the United States that a trade war would have devastating effects on both sides and that the number of illegal immigrants from Canada is far lower than in Mexico. Trade officials pointed out that 60% of US oil and natural gas comes from Canada, and stressed the need to establish a critical mineral supply chain originating in Canada to reduce dependence on China.