Summary

In a virtual speech at the World Economic Forum, Trump suggested Canada could become a U.S. state to avoid his proposed tariffs on imports.

The remark elicited gasps from the audience.

Trump claimed the U.S. does not need Canadian lumber, energy, or vehicles, vastly overstating the trade deficit between the two nations.

He reiterated his intention to impose tariffs, potentially as high as 25%, on imports from Canada and Mexico starting February 1.

Economists warn such tariffs would raise prices for U.S. consumers.

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[–] Spacehooks@reddthat.com 25 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Us citizens pay tariff this doesn't hurt Canadians. They should call bluff and say do 30%.

[–] Revan343@lemmy.ca 10 points 1 month ago (1 children)

It potentially reduces exports from Canada to the US, hurting our economy. Nobody wins

[–] bstix@feddit.dk 15 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Canada imports more from USA than it exports to USA. A trade war that decreases exports would hurt USA more than Canada.

The largest exports from USA to Canada are cars and trucks. (Finished products) The largest exports from Canada to USA are minerals, fuels and pulp. (Raw material)

This puts USA at a disadvantage in a tariff game, because it's a lot easier for Canada to replace American cars with Asian or European cars, than it is for USA to replace the variety of ressources that Canada provides

It's also a lot easier for Canada to find other customers for raw materials than it is to sell American cars on other continents.

[–] CuffsOffWilly@lemmy.ml 8 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Actually tariffs will hurt Canadians deeply. Why? Because it means that Americans will lean towards not buying products made in (or partially made in) Canada. Plus, Canada would certainly reciprocate meaning the price of everything is going to go up in Canada. It's not a good situation and our government needed to be spending the past 10 - 20 years developing stronger trade relations with other countries but instead we amplified our relationship with what is clearly a very unreliable and untrustworthy neighbour.

[–] Spacehooks@reddthat.com 2 points 1 month ago

Basically sums up how half America feels about its country.