WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Trump has imposed sweeping new tariffs on Canada, straining already tense ties with its second-largest trading partner.
In announcing 50 percent tariffs, Trump said he was retaliating against “discriminatory treatment” by Ottawa on US alcohol, automobile and dairy products.
The new rates, imposed under Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act, will take effect in 30 days and cover a range of items, including wine, hockey sticks, and cement, according to a White House fact sheet.
Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney is weighing his options.
The Border Trade Alliance is not happy with Trump’s actions. Border Trade Alliance President Britton Mullen said the impact will disrupt the economy, with costs falling on U.S. consumers.
“The Border Trade Alliance is deeply concerned by the administration’s announcement that additional tariffs will be imposed on Canadian imports, including goods that have met the requirements of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement,” Mullen said.
“Businesses have made investments, built supply chains and entered into contracts based on the expectation that USMCA-compliant goods would continue to receive the tariff treatment promised under the agreement. Imposing new import taxes on those products creates immediate uncertainty and disruption across the deeply integrated North American economy.
“These costs will not stop at the border. They will be passed through supply chains and ultimately felt by American consumers at the cash register.
“The United States and Canada have 30 days before these tariffs take effect. We urge all parties to use that time to engage in serious, good-faith negotiations aimed at resolving their differences and expanding and improving upon the promise of USMCA. North America is stronger when the United States, Mexico and Canada work together to reduce trade barriers, provide businesses with certainty, and strengthen the region’s global competitiveness.”
About the Border Trade Alliance
Since 1986, the BTA has served as a grassroots, non-profit organization that provides a forum for discussion and advocacy on issues pertaining to border development and quality of life and trade in the Americas. A network of public and private sector representatives from the United States, Mexico and Canada, BTA’s core values include a commitment to improving the quality of life of border communities through trade and commerce.
BTA's board of directors comprises of Jon Barela, Frank Bateman, Jonathan Bellamy, Sofia Benavides, Rose Benavidez, Katie Bogue, Thomas Boyle, Alvaro Bustillos, Ron Campbell, Mitch Carlson, Hector Cerna, Sergio Contreras, Hon. Richard Cortez, Maypr John Cowen, Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, Tadeo De La Hoya, Stephen Draper, Dante Galeazzi, Denice Garcia, Teclo Garcia, Esteban Guerra, Edgar Guillaumin, Luis Hinojosa, Skip Hulett, Russell Jones, Lance Jungmeyer, Anthony Lopez, James Manser, Daniel Mendoza, Kathleen Neal, Jesse Ozuna, David Panko, Daniel O. Rios, P.E., Alan Russell, Mayor Rolando Salinas, Pete Sepulveda, Jr., Daniel Silva, Martha Cardenas Singh, Luis Solarte, Dan Stamper, Elizabeth Suarez, Mayor Victor Trevino, Robert Vale, Samuel F. Vale, Mayor Javier Villalobos, Laura Nassri Warren and Kenia Zamarripa.
The BTA is online at thebta.org and @borderalliance.
