Governor Whitmer Urges U.S. to Strengthen Trade Ties with Canada Amid Tariff Woes
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has urged the U.S. to strengthen its trade ties with Canada, warning that current tariff policies are benefiting China at the expense of both countries' automotive industries. Canada is the second-largest trade partner of the U.S., ahead of China, and is a crucial partner for Michigan, with a $95 billion trade relationship.
The U.S. tariffs have caused uncertainty and distrust in the auto industry, with companies on both sides of the border feeling the effects. Notably, German automaker Porsche is considering moving production to North America to reduce the cost of exporting cars to the U.S. due to the increased expenses caused by U.S. tariffs.
Governor Whitmer has taken her message directly to the White House, arguing that saying no to Canada is saying yes to China. She emphasized the importance of Michigan's trade relationship with Canada, with Ontario alone accounting for $68 billion of the $95 billion trade relationship. Whitmer warned that capricious tariff changes have damaged supply chains, slowed production, cut jobs, and increased car prices on both sides of the border. She stressed the importance of collaboration between Michigan and Canada to counter threats from China to the auto industry, stating that when Canada and Michigan aren't working together, China benefits.
Whitmer's call for stronger U.S.-Canada trade relations comes as the U.S. tariffs are described as 'chaotic' and detrimental to both Michigan and Canada's automotive industry. With Canada being the second-largest trade partner of the U.S., it is crucial for the U.S. to maintain and strengthen this relationship to protect its own automotive industry and prevent China from gaining further advantage.
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