March 5, 2025 – The first wave of tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canadian imports is an unmistakable attack on Canada’s economy and workforce, according to a new C.D. Howe Institute report. A special communiqué, “Bolstering Canada’s Response to US Trade Threats,” draws on insights from the Institute’s Trade Crisis Working Group, which met […]
The initial round of tariffs threatened by US President Trump against Canada and Mexico was implemented yesterday – 10 percent for energy products, and 25 percent for other goods. Already, as a result, a chunk of trade beneficial to businesses and consumers on both sides of the border has been halted. Mr. Trump may ease […]
From: William B.P. RobsonTo: Trade WarriorsDate: February 26, 2025Re: Tariff Retaliation Needs to be Shrewder than Trump Even before the end of his 30-day reprieve for tariffs on all Canadian exports to the United States, Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on US imports of steel, aluminum, automotive products, drugs and semiconductors. This erratic belligerence naturally tilts Canadians toward […]
From: Glen HodgsonTo: Tariff watchersDate: February 24, 2025Re: Trump’s tariff threats and likely consequences Why has Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canada (and others)? And what are the possible impacts and consequences? Here are some observations, informed by my perspective as a former chief economist and an official at Finance Canada and Export […]
From: Lawrence HermanTo: Trade observersDate: February 20, 2025Re: Doomed But Worthy: Canada’s Legal Challenges to US Tariffs Canada is challenging US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Even if both those agreements are, as some people might say, on life support, Canada is doing the right […]
Published in the Financial Post. Even before the end of his 30-day reprieve for tariffs on all Canadian exports to the United States, Donald Trump now threatens tariffs on all US imports of steel and aluminum. This erratic belligerence naturally tilts Canadians toward retaliation. Many are also talking about COVID-scale bailouts for those affected. But […]
From: Parisa MahboubiTo: Tariff watchersDate: February 18, 2025Re: Canada’s Resilience Wake-Up Call Donald Trump’s looming tariffs – including potential levies of up to 100 percent on Canadian-made cars – reinforces the ongoing uncertainty surrounding US trade policy. Whether the tariffs ultimately come into effect, partially or otherwise, this moment has exposed critical vulnerabilities in Canada’s […]
In 2024, the United States ran a global manufacturing trade deficit of more than US$1.2 trillion. However, it did enjoy manufacturing surpluses with many resource- or tourism-oriented economies. Canada was number two among the countries or economic grouping with which the United States recorded manufacturing surpluses in 2024, behind OPEC.
Launched in early 2023, the C.D. Howe Institute’s Supply Chain Working Group brings together corporate leaders from key economic sectors, policy experts, and federal and provincial officials to drive policy discussions and advance related research. Through their collaborative efforts, the group is developing an actionable policy agenda to strengthen supply chain resiliency, support infrastructure growth, […]
From: Paul JenkinsTo: Economic policymakersDate: February 7, 2025Re: Where the puck is going Many believe we are living through one of the most revolutionary ages in history. The world has lived through many revolutions: the scientific revolution, the age of enlightenment; the French Revolution, and of course the industrial revolution – all accompanied by dramatic […]
Published in The Globe and Mail. Canada is challenging U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Even if both those agreements are, as some people might say, on life support, Canada is doing the right thing. Despite the 30-day postponement of tariffs, Mr. Trump still […]
February 4, 2025 – The tariffs announced on February 1 by The White House on Canadian exports to the United States threaten to severely harm Canadian industries and the broader economy, even as their implementation is on pause, according to a new C.D. Howe Institute report. A special communiqué, “‘Canada First’ – Dealing with the […]
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