Canadians are reacting to U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff threats, as trade tensions with Washington escalate.
The Trump administration threatened new 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods that are set to begin next month. Trump signed three proclamations under Section 338 of an old tariff law, never used before, claiming retaliation against Canadian tariffs on U.S. cars, alcohol and dairy.
The targeted products include wine, cosmetics, wigs, and hockey sticks.
"Economically, these tariffs, these are very limited. Notice that President Trump is not imposing tariffs, new tariffs on energy, critical minerals, potash, big products, important products that are fundamental to the U.S. and U.S. growth in the future," said Drew Fagan, a professor of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy in Canana, on the tariffs' impacts.
The Trump Administration has been particularly upset by most Canadian Provinces and territories banning the import of U.S. alcohol since last year. They say that Canadian imports of U.S. alcohol dropped by over 80 percent because of the ban.
On the streets of Toronto, Canadians are reacting strongly to the threat of more tariffs.
"I feel like it's never-ending, there is something every day. I think it puts Canadians like myself on edge, like, what's next?" said one resident.
"Americans just don't seem to get that they're the one paying the tariffs. So, tariff the bejesus out of us - we don't care, we'll sell it somewhere else," said another.
Many Canadians just want to move on and come to some kind of mutual agreement with the U.S.
"I do think it's going to be a long time before we actually get a deal. There may be interim deals. Before that, we'll have to see. But let's get back to the table. And I think the government is saying, let's get back to the table. Let's get down to it," said Fagan.
Canadians cope with new US tariff threats
