Canada Caught in the Crossfire of Trump’s New Tariffs
So here's what’s going on right now — President Trump just announced a steep increase in tariffs on a wide range of foreign imports, including Canadian goods that aren't covered under the USMCA, or what we used to call NAFTA. Specifically, Canadian exports that fall outside of this trade deal will now be hit with a 35% duty. That’s a serious jump and it's already sending shockwaves through markets and industries on both sides of the border.
Naturally, this has prompted a lot of reaction here in Canada. Prime Minister Carney released a statement expressing deep disappointment. He emphasized that Canada remains fully committed to the USMCA, which is still one of the largest and most effective free trade agreements globally. The idea is that most Canadian goods remain protected under it, but key industries like lumber, steel, aluminum, and autos are still going to feel the sting of these new tariffs.
Also Read:- Torrential NYC Storms Leave Railways Flooded, Streets Submerged
- Storm Floris Set to Batter UK with Fierce Winds and Heavy Rain
Now, what's interesting — and frankly a bit controversial — is the reason the U.S. is giving for this move. The White House is pointing to the ongoing fentanyl crisis and blaming Canada, at least in part, for the flow of the drug across the border. But here’s the thing: Canada is responsible for only about 1% of fentanyl entering the U.S., and our government has actually been stepping up enforcement big time — new border security laws, more surveillance, and thousands of new officers have already been rolled out to crack down on traffickers.
So, while some might expect Canada to fire back with retaliatory tariffs, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is urging a different approach. He’s basically saying that we shouldn’t escalate things. According to him, Canada is better off staying focused on building economic strength from within — investing in our industries, boosting competitiveness, and diversifying our trade relationships globally.
The federal government seems to be thinking along the same lines. Prime Minister Carney mentioned new partnerships with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities to launch major infrastructure and industrial projects that could unlock more than half a trillion dollars in investments. The bigger picture is clear: by leaning into our own economy, buying Canadian, and expanding our global reach, we reduce our vulnerability to this kind of external pressure.
At the end of the day, while these tariffs are a blow, they’re also a wake-up call — that Canada needs to be more self-reliant, more resilient, and more united in how we move forward.
Read More:
0 Comments