As the initial round of tariffs approaches implementation, Canada’s allies in Washington, D.C., are urging U.S. President Donald Trump to permanently eliminate these measures, contending that a trade war would inflict economic damage on both sides of the border.
In a recent interview, U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy, a Democrat representing the Buffalo-Niagara area, expressed that he and numerous other representatives are advocating for Trump to retract his decision to impose tariffs on Canada.
“A tariff on Canada is essentially a tax on Americans, and it unnecessarily ignites a trade war with our closest ally and primary trading partner,” he stated. “Our economies are deeply interconnected, and we should be fostering that relationship rather than undermining it.”
Kennedy is acutely aware of the detrimental impact tariffs would have on his constituents. Trade with Canada sustains over 27,000 jobs in his district, which sees approximately $608 million in goods purchased by Canada annually, according to Canadian government statistics.
The Congressman mentioned that he has been rallying local leaders and businesses in the Buffalo-Niagara region to support efforts in writing to the Trump administration and to promote legislation that would mandate U.S. congressional approval for new tariffs on American allies.
Additionally, Kennedy convened a meeting with Canadian premiers during their recent visit to Washington, D.C.
“I am committed to doing everything within my power to maintain our relationship with Canada,” he affirmed.
Kennedy remarked that despite Trump’s assertive rhetoric, “he does not represent all of us.”
“We, on this side of the border, share the same concerns regarding his actions, and we are actively opposing them,” he added.
Last November, Trump announced his intention to impose a 25 percent tariff on all imports from Canada upon taking office on January 20. He subsequently postponed this deadline to February 1, indicating that energy imports would incur a reduced tariff of 10 percent.
On January 31, the day prior to the tariffs’ implementation, Kennedy joined local business leaders from Western New York to caution Americans about the severe repercussions of entering a trade war that could adversely affect the Buffalo-Niagara region.
On February 1, the White House confirmed that the tariffs would be enacted three days later. However, on February 3, just under 12 hours before the tariffs were scheduled to take effect, Trump granted a 30-day delay until March 4, in return for enhanced border security measures.
Following the announcement of this pause, Kennedy, along with 60 Democratic colleagues in Congress, sent a letter urging the Trump administration to withdraw its executive order.
“At a time when Americans are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table, the last thing they need is higher prices,” the letter stated.
Since that time, Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, target Canada’s automobile industry, and implement “reciprocal tariffs” on Canada’s digital services tax, among other measures.
Kennedy emphasized that American consumers would also bear the burden of these tariffs. The Canadian government has already indicated it is prepared to implement $155 billion in retaliatory tariffs, which would increase costs for U.S. consumers.
“Thus, engaging in a trade war is entirely counterproductive to the promises made by the President during his campaign, which aimed to reduce the costs of goods and services,” Kennedy remarked.
Legislative efforts are also underway in the U.S. House of Representatives, where Republicans hold 218 seats and Democrats hold 215.
Democratic U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Tim Kaine have introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise.
Congress granted the president the power to impose tariffs to address threats to national security, not to settle personal grievances against allies and neighboring countries, stated Senator Coons from Delaware in a press release.
“If the president intends to misuse this authority to intimidate and manipulate our allies, Congress must reclaim this power,” he remarked.
Senator Kennedy noted that the bill has garnered significant support in the House of Representatives, especially from the Democratic caucus, and that only three Republican votes are needed for the STABLE Trade Policy Act to be enacted.
Kennedy expressed that imposing tariffs on Canada is illogical.
“Such actions will result in job losses and harm businesses. Our longstanding relationship with our closest ally, which has endured for over 200 years, is being jeopardized due to a misguided economic strategy by a president who is not being held accountable by his own party,” he stated.
As the March 4 deadline approaches, the Congressman recognizes the necessity for the public’s opposition to tariffs to be clearly communicated once more.
“My hope is that rationality prevails in this situation.”