Trump implementing 25% duty on automobiles not made in the U.S.

What’s happening?

U.S. President Donald Trump is targeting foreign automobiles in his latest trade action.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on March 26 that he’ll be signing an executive order — implementing a 25-per-cent duty on all vehicles not made in America, effective April 2.

Unifor warned earlier this month that domestic disruptions could put more than 20,000 automotive roles in Windsor at risk.

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Reaction from Canadian leaders

Prime Minister Mark Carney

Carney said Canada is looking at retaliatory measures and ways to provide more aid to businesses affected by the ongoing trade war with the U.S.

“We don’t have the executive order [at this time],” the prime minister told reporters at an event in Kitchener — adding that there are “variants” of Trump’s plan.

Carney has pledged to create a $2-billion response fund to support Canada’s auto industry.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Ford told reporters at Queen’s Park that the province is prepared to fight “like never before” if the latest trade action by the U.S. affects Canada’s automotive industry.

The premier wants to meet with the prime minister and his colleagues to figure out how they can “minimize pain for Canadians and maximize pain for Americans.”

Ford said he was caught off guard by Trump’s latest announcement — claiming that U.S. officials assured him there wouldn’t be “surprises.”

SEE ALSO
• Ford warns Trump’s tariffs could cost Ontario ‘500,000 jobs’
• Trump’s tariffs could affect 29,000 agricultural jobs: OGVG

Canadians concerned about widespread layoffs

The economic uncertainty caused by the Canada-U.S. trade war has already lead to substantial job cuts.

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Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.