Trump's "America First" Agenda Would Likely Revive Contentious Trade Issues
Source: DairyNews.today
If Donald Trump returns to the White House, Canada might face a more challenging relationship with the U.S. and potential trade disruptions, former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft warned.
Craft suggested that Canada should brace for intensified pressures to increase defense spending and support U.S.-centered economic policies.
Trump's "America First" agenda would likely revive contentious trade issues, including tariffs on Canadian imports and criticism of Canada’s protectionist policies, especially in agriculture. During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, which impacted Canada’s economy despite the trade protections provided by the then-in-effect NAFTA. While the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) offers some safeguard against such tariffs, Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, indicated that Canada is prepared to retaliate if Trump introduces similar measures.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Trade Minister Mary Ng have reassured Canadians that Canada’s strong bipartisan relationships with U.S. lawmakers will help mitigate trade conflicts. Canada’s government has been working proactively, sending officials to strengthen alliances with U.S. states and legislators across the political spectrum.
Trade is not the only point of potential conflict; Trump’s administration may also press Canada for increased defense spending and assistance on the U.S. migrant crisis. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to meeting NATO’s 2% GDP defense target by 2032, Craft hinted that Trump would likely demand a more rapid timeline.
Canada’s federal government has positioned itself to respond to either outcome of the U.S. election, maintaining its resolve to protect Canadian interests and ensure stability in the Canada-U.S. relationship.
Trump's "America First" agenda would likely revive contentious trade issues, including tariffs on Canadian imports and criticism of Canada’s protectionist policies, especially in agriculture. During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, which impacted Canada’s economy despite the trade protections provided by the then-in-effect NAFTA. While the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) offers some safeguard against such tariffs, Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, indicated that Canada is prepared to retaliate if Trump introduces similar measures.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Trade Minister Mary Ng have reassured Canadians that Canada’s strong bipartisan relationships with U.S. lawmakers will help mitigate trade conflicts. Canada’s government has been working proactively, sending officials to strengthen alliances with U.S. states and legislators across the political spectrum.
Trade is not the only point of potential conflict; Trump’s administration may also press Canada for increased defense spending and assistance on the U.S. migrant crisis. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to meeting NATO’s 2% GDP defense target by 2032, Craft hinted that Trump would likely demand a more rapid timeline.
Canada’s federal government has positioned itself to respond to either outcome of the U.S. election, maintaining its resolve to protect Canadian interests and ensure stability in the Canada-U.S. relationship.
