Trump takes aim at Canada as global trade war looms

"Canada is a secure supplier of aluminum and steel to the U.S. defense industry, putting aluminum in American planes and steel in American tanks," Trudeau said. "That Canada could be considered a national security threat to the United States is inconceivable."

Inconceivable to those able to reason beyond the level of a 6 year old. Trump: alienating the world, further isolating the US, bringing the country down, enabling Russia and China to get even stronger and fill the void left by the rapidly sinking US. But that's what he and his followers wanted, isn't it.

Blame Canada? Does Trump watch South Park?

The Congress shall have power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and to promote the general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

-- Article I, Section 8, Paragraph 1 of theUnited States Constitution:

VOTE DEMOCRAT

There sure is a lot of talk and people ridiculing Trump's trade tariffs, and also a bunch of threats but it will be interesting to actually see how this whole thing plays out in the end, I don't think it will end up badly for the U.S despite all the nonsense.

We should really diversity our trade. The Americans is taken us and our resources for granted.

The Congress shall have power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and to promote the general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

-- Article I, Section 8, Paragraph 1 of theUnited States Constitution:

VOTE DEMOCRAT

https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/04/16/poll-democrats-advantage-in-midterm-election-support-shrinking/

Uh-oh.....

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/midterm-election-polls-2018-predictions-democrats-republicans-donald-trump-a8307611.html

Republicans, you got this...

Trudeau is being diplomatic but Trump has marked a huge turning point in Canada-US relations that will last into the future. Canada will orient itself more to Europe and Asia. Trade with the US will go down to levels that existed pre NAFTA about 50% and possibly. It is very strange how Trump is undermining allies Canada and Europe, this looks like a tailor made Putin wish list. Wouldn't be surprised if once irreversible damage is done we discover that the Trump corporation has a multi-billion dollar deal with Russia. None of this is good for the average Americans long term , but it may be good for Trump and Putin. Trump and the US may not realize it but this bout of insanity has marked the end of the world as we know it, what is ahead is mostly instability and an even bigger greedier plutocracy.

I’m all for protecting Americans and Americans first, but I think he got some serious bad advice from someone. I sure hope he rethinks his rather stunning decision on this.

USA can't meet its metal needs without Canada, it simply doesn't have the production. Thus higher costs are imposed upon themselves as companies will have no choice. Congrats?

USA's bargaining with NAFTA was a joke from the get go. That it couldn't conclude a deal with Canada means no country will be able to

Why bother?

And he repeated his inaccurate claim that Canada runs a trade surplus with the United States. In fact, U.S. Commerce Department numbers show, the United States recorded a trade surplus with Canada for each of the past three years.

Unfortunately proves how clueless he is. Its one thing to get fired up about the U.S trade imbalance but if you can't stick to the facts and make decisions based around that, you are really going down a path to stupidity.

Trudeau is being diplomatic but Trump has marked a huge turning point in Canada-US relations that will last into the future. Canada will orient itself more to Europe and Asia. Trade with the US will go down to levels that existed pre NAFTA about 50% and possibly. It is very strange how Trump is undermining allies Canada and Europe, this looks like a tailor made Putin wish list. Wouldn't be surprised if once irreversible damage is done we discover that the Trump corporation has a multi-billion dollar deal with Russia. None of this is good for the average Americans long term , but it may be good for Trump and Putin. Trump and the US may not realize it but this bout of insanity has marked the end of the world as we know it, what is ahead is mostly instability and an even bigger greedier plutocracy.

I doubt it. Why would Canada turn away from the worlds largest or second largest economy on their doorstep? There ability to crack the European and Asian market would also be highly questionable. Its obviously very competitive. Their whole economic model is orientated towards the U.S. Its not not easy to change. This situation will pass and things can get back to normal. I wouldn't worry about Russia. If was American or European I would be more worried about Europe making concessions to China which weakens the long term strategic outlook for European companies. There seems little doubt to me that major U.S and European companies are going to have to merge in future to compete with China. Anything that gives China greater access to IP is a monumental mistake that allows China to eat their breakfast.

Well, let's see where this goes. I'm not the biggest fan of trade wars, but maybe there is something to this. Just have to wait and see.

The faster USA falls the more likely China will be ready to replace it

Basically, when Trump's finished screwing everyone, the only allies he'll have left are Vladimir and Bibi. And if he screws China anymore, they just might hit him where it hurts - his and his daughter's businesses and trademarks in China.

The faster USA falls the more likely China will be ready to replace it

Which means, for China to supposedly replace it, America can't fail, since we buy more of their junk than any other country. So the US will be fine.

Trudeau is being diplomatic but Trump has marked a huge turning point in Canada-US relations that will last into the future. Canada will orient itself more to Europe and Asia. Trade with the US will go down to levels that existed pre NAFTA about 50% and possibly

Joe I agree. This is why I have been saying for the past year that Canada needs to form a CANZUK agreement with the UK OZ and NZ.

This latest move by Trump will most likely spell the end of NAFTA. I can't see it going on. And Trump has for ages reiterated his distaste for Nafta. I can't help thinking this is his way of killing the deal.

Canada needs to stop putting all of its eggs in the US basket. Trudeau needs to reach out to the other 3 canzuk nations and form a FTA with them fast.

Can't wait to see all the US warplanes, guns, and ships destroyed because they probably contain Canadian metal and are therefore a "security risk".

Aly Rustom

I could see a CANZUK type agreement after UK's Brexit, but Australia NZ Canada already have the CPTPP. I would like to see freer movement of people though, give us all the "grass is greener on the other side" a chance to branch out

The problem is that they will just put the same tariffs back on us, then we are back to square one. Trump will then have to decide if he wants to double down, which they will match, or back down, in which case he looks weak.

If the world starts to unite against us then we lose our leverage.

If the world starts to unite against us then we lose our leverage.

You never had any leverage. Mine! It all belongs to Me! Winner! isn't leverage

 since we buy more of their junk than any other country. So the US will be fine. not until China , EU , Canada, Mexico, Japan all take the US to the WTO, and put their own retaliatory tariffs in place. Id say Canada is well placed since they import more American goods than vise versa. Those red states are going to take a huge hit from Trumps policies

Matt Hartwell

This situation will pass and things can get back to normal. 

But why is there a situation in the first place? I thought the men of the west would stick together no matter what.

Some hilarious reality for the Canadian aluminum industry as reported by CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-aluminum-shows-its-mettle-in-face-of-trump-s-tariff-1.4686655

U.S. industry buys half of its aluminum from Canada

Canadian industry responded to the announcement in March by factoring the tariff into their prices, and then essentially pocketed that 10 per cent surcharge during the two months that Canada enjoyed a tariff exemption.

Following Trump's March announcement, the base price of aluminum on the London Metals Exchange, which had been trending downward, suddenly shot up 30 cents

Trump essentially wrote a cheque for $600 million to Canadian aluminum producers

Just one Canadian smelter — Aluminerie Alouette Inc. in Sept-Iles, Que. — comes close to equalling the entire output of the U.S. aluminum industry.

Even if USA ramped up production to maximum capacity, U.S. smelters probably could only add about 2,000 jobs. It's predicted the tariff will cause between 23,000 and 90,000 direct job losses in manufacturing.

US makes less than 1 million tonnes a year, but imported almost 3 million from Canada. We have cheap hydroelectric power USA doesn't have, so our production costs are tiny.

As prices go up in the US, more aluminum will be recycled, which will further job losses in the US as primary production will be shut down due to costs.

The longer the tariff lasts, the longer USA cripples their own capacity they will have given the Canadians millions of dollars more.

Thanks Turnip!

Canada? Um... US wins

Better stock up on that B-grade cheap-o maple syrup while ya can, boys- that Vermont stuff's expensive!

*since we buy more of their junk than any other country. So the US will be fine.** not until China , EU , Canada, Mexico, Japan all take the US to the WTO, and put their own retaliatory tariffs in place.*

They can do that and also get hurt in the process, even the stock market is betting that the Europeans will back down, good sign, too long has everyone taken advantage both friend and foe, that all has got to stop.

Id say Canada is well placed since they import more American goods than vise versa. Those red states are going to take a huge hit from Trumps policies.

Not so sure about that, Canada is also in a position of cutting it’s own throat, but hey, they can try.

The man is a lunatic. devoid of purpose or reason. Whatever feels good on the day trump will attack, friend or foe or both.

The world leaders look at Trump and think: "With friends like that, who needs enemies."

Ready, Aim, Fire! Making America great again!

Trump's move makes good on his campaign vows to

reward those, for example billionaires in the coal industry, that contributed millions to his 'inaugural fund by granting them government subsidies. But wouldn't Trump supporters call that 'socialism'?

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/06/trump-coal-subsidies-will-help-inaugural-fund-donors.html

The trade war threats might be a Trump tactic to get some foreign companies to pay him (or more likely one of his private army of 'fixers') to make the tariffs go away for them.

After all, Trump's White House is for sale to the highest bidders. Trump cares jack nada about 99.9% of Americans; he only cares about his fortune. And paying off his debts to international 'financiers'. And playing golf.

When will people understand that what Trump wants for America is fair trade. For decades America has been ripped off by these complaining protectionist countries with there cunning trade tactics.

Start by looking at the huge trade imbalances in favor of these countries. Enough is enough, if it takes the threat of tariffs to get truly free and fair trade, so be it.

Trump has proved beyond doubt he is an enemy of not just the American people, but of the world. His so-called allies will respond in kind and the US will be hit hard under counter tariffs. Jobs will be lost.

How do you like them apples?

We the people elected Donald Trump as our President. Many have said, "He is the best president since Ronald Reagan!"

I wonder just how many people in this forum are in trade or have ever been in trade, when I see such ridicules meaningless comments by some.

They seem to not know the true facts about free trade, unfair trade, protectionism and trade barriers that create huge trade imbalances in favor of some countries.

We the people elected Donald Trump as our President

What do you mean "We the people?" The minority of the population who actually voted for the Donster? Lol

They seem to not know the true facts about free trade, unfair trade, protectionism and trade barriers that create huge trade imbalances in favor of some countries.

Lol no. You seem rather confused. If you are for tariffs, you are not for free trade. It is simple as that. The last time Bush enacted tariffs if didn't go so well and this time is no different.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_United_States_steel_tariff

Joe I agree. This is why I have been saying for the past year that Canada needs to form a CANZUK agreement with the UK OZ and NZ

I could see a CANZUK type agreement after UK's Brexit, but Australia NZ Canada already have the CPTPP. I would like to see freer movement of people though, give us all the "grass is greener on the other side" a chance to branch out

As an Australian, I would rather be the 51st state of the U.S at this point simply because the U.K and Canada are going backwards in terms of personal liberty and freedom. Too concerned with being politically correct, policing the internet for nasty comments and other nonsensical, pointless wastes of time. Not concerned enough with maintaining cultural stability, arresting real criminals and promoting classical British liberal ideals, like free speech.

What do you mean "We the people?" The minority of the population who actually voted for the Donster? Lol

We the people as in, we put him in office, the ever so growing minority Low unemployment, investments home, people are applying for more loans, more cash in their pockets, mothers and people are happy that they have money to spend, not bad, not bad at all. What do the Democrats have to offer...besides more tax and.....

Heck if I know....

Lol no. You seem rather confused. If you are for tariffs, you are not for free trade.

I'm not for tariffs, but I don't like getting hosed either, is this a gamble? Sure it is, but if Trump can make this happen, it's the best thing for America, that's all I care about, for too long have the Washington establishment allowed the entire world to take advantage from us, no more. Free trade is also fair trade and the rest of the world isn't playing fair, especially Asia.

It is simple as that. The last time Bush enacted tariffs if didn't go so well and this time is no different.

That was Bush, loved the guy, but he wasn't the fighting back in your face kind of President and he wasn't THAT conservative either to tell you the truth.

We the people as in

None of that changes the fact that we the people didn't elect Trump. Sure, he is the president, but We the people didn't elect.

 not bad, not bad at all. 

Except the fact that real wage growth is stagnant, the tax cuts are temporary, and these tax cuts have fueled record stock buybacks, but you know.

is this a gamble? Sure it is, but if Trump can make this happen

You are betting on lazy, bumbling, idiot. That's a pretty big bet. And hilarious. The donated has a pretty poor record on negotiating.

www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/06/donald-trump-has-always-been-a-terrible-negotiator/amp

Free trade is also fair trade

Lol no its not. You must think that sounds brilliant, but who actually pays for tariffs and what is the impact? It is decidedly not free trade, nor is it conservative.

, but he wasn't the fighting back in your face kind of President 

Hahahaha Ol' bonespurs is tough? He's so tough he blocks people on twitter. He's so tough, he took five draft deferments. Donny is prattling child. So tough! :D

Now again, how will this somehow end differently under Trump than Bush?

it's the best thing for America, that's all I care about, for too long have the Washington establishment allowed the entire world to take advantage from us, no more

The dead and maimed of all the countries you've attacked, invaded, meddled with and bombed beg to differ.

As an Australian, I would rather be the 51st state of the U.S at this point simply because the U.K and Canada are going backwards in terms of personal liberty and freedom. Too concerned with being politically correct, policing the internet for nasty comments and other nonsensical, pointless wastes of time. Not concerned enough with maintaining cultural stability, arresting real criminals and promoting classical British liberal ideals, like free speech.

Funny I would have said that about the US.

Funny I would have said that about the US.

The U.K, like Australia, has no free speech laws, has no first amendment, so know its not the same and never will be. When you see Scottish police arresting people for Nazi pug dogs, you know you have reached peak stupid. Not to mention the whole grooming gangs situation. That scales new heights of political correctness with the way that's been handled. Utterly disgraceful.

The U.K, like Australia, has no free speech laws, has no first amendment, so know its not the same and never will be.

Neither does the US. There are certain things that can get you arrested in the US: holocaust denial, praising terrorist groups,

When you see Scottish police arresting people for Nazi pug dogs, you know you have reached peak stupid. Not to mention the whole grooming gangs situation. That scales new heights of political correctness with the way that's been handled. Utterly disgraceful.

I'm glad they are arresting them. In the US, hate speech is uncensored and ridiculous.

Anyway, these points are moot, because Australia is not looking to become the 51st state, but on the other hand 73% of Australians polled support Canzuk.

http://www.canzukinternational.com/2018/04/poll-2018.html

This is the best way to move forward for all 4 countries

I'm glad they are arresting them. In the US, hate speech is uncensored and ridiculous.

You are glad a comedian got arrested for talking to a dog? Are you crazy?

I supported Canzuk until the U.K went totalitarian. Now I think maybe we should leave the Commonwealth and become a Republic. After all, our security ally and partner is the United States, not the U.K. Too weak and too far away.

I know one thing, if research reveals greater immigration to Australia as a result of Canzuk, you can expect to see support fall very considerably unless there are severe cuts to Indian and Chinese immigration. The majority now want immigration cut in this country.

You are glad a comedian got arrested for talking to a dog? Are you crazy?

You are the one wanting your country to become the 51st US state after we've seen what has happened to the Puerto Rican economy and I'm crazy??

You want to lose your universal health care (because that's what's going to happen if you become the 51st state) and I'm crazy?

I supported Canzuk until the U.K went totalitarian. Now I think maybe we should leave the Commonwealth and become a Republic. After all, our security ally and partner is the United States, not the U.K. Too weak and too far away.

I'm sorry but if I'm crazy that above comment makes you clinically insane. The US's recent actions have shown that it is NO ONE's ally or partner. Look at how they are treating Canada. What makes you think that they will treat you any better?

I know one thing, if research reveals greater immigration to Australia as a result of Canzuk, you can expect to see support fall very considerably unless there are severe cuts to Indian and Chinese immigration. The majority now want immigration cut in this country.

Not neccessarily. There may be increased immigration but if the economy benefits as a whole, no one will complain.

Again, like I mentioned before, over 70% of your countryfolk like the idea of canzuk.

You are the one wanting your country to become the 51st US state after we've seen what has happened to the Puerto Rican economy and I'm crazy??

What's a natural disaster in Puerto Rico have anything to do with free speech and hate speech laws and how there implemented. One has nothing to do with the other. Deflecting the argument much?...

You want to lose your universal health care (because that's what's going to happen if you become the 51st state) and I'm crazy?

In the U.S, states have tremendous powers of laws operating in that state. As a 51st state, Australia would be able to retain universal health care.

I'm sorry but if I'm crazy that above comment makes you clinically insane. The US's recent actions have shown that it is NO ONE's ally or partner. Look at how they are treating Canada. What makes you think that they will treat you any better?

The only thing the U.S has done is targeted tariffs. Security wise, everything remains the same. Europe, Germany in particular operates a big surplus and Europe maintains unfair tariffs on the U.S in my view. They deserve what they are getting, trade wise. Iran nuke agreement. Jury is out on that for me. Israel embassy move to East Jerusalem does nothing to stop a Palestinian state in the West of the city. You have a better argument in the U.S treatment of Canada as trade is more balanced than it use to be looking at latest figures.

They treat us better for two reasons. 1) The U.S has a surplus with Australia 2) We don't shirk our responsibilities when it comes to defense spending 3) We operate Pine Gap. Other reasons as well that are replicated in Canada also - cultural, political etc.

Not neccessarily. There may be increased immigration but if the economy benefits as a whole, no one will complain.

No, you are wrong about that. If you lived here you would know the public mood. People want immigration cut because it puts too much stress on housing prices, public transport, government services, environment etc etc. Not only that, but even at current immigration levels which are very high, GDP growth is anemic. Not even 3% per year, so this idea immigration is a boon is not the full picture.

Again, like I mentioned before, over 70% of your countryfolk like the idea of canzuk.

Would depend on what circumstances, but sure, its still a popular idea

By the way, you haven't said anything regarding the grooming gangs situation. If ever you want to see political correctness gone mad in the U.K, case in point. Disgraceful. Australian's would not tolerate that nonsense for a second.

This was an online poll conducted by Canzuk International (to which 13,600 just people responded) which they are trying to pass off as reflecting the actual level of public support in each of those countries.

with around a quarter of a million people who have signed the petition in under 3 years..

The simple fact is that if even one of those countries decides not to be a member, then it is not Canzuk but something else. And as yet, none of those countries is clamouring for it.

Take a look at their website. A lot of politicians from all countries are supporting this.

t's reminiscent of Esperanto: the perfect language, except for the fatal flaw that no one actually speaks it, and no one other than a few crackpots gives a toss about it.

A few crackpots- like former PM of OZ Tony Abbot? LOL