Tariffs on Canada delayed for 30 days after talk between Trudeau and Trump. Live updates here.

15 comments

1. So, the initial reporting, a couple of days ago, had Mar 1 as the target date for tariffs.

   Then Trump’s blonde mouthpiece said no, no, definitely Feb 1.

   Now I suspect Mar 1 was always the target and Feb 1 was the spook story to get Can/Mex to the table.

2. We live in the age of Madness and stupidity.

   This is all a distraction from Elon Musks coup of the government.

3. i’m thinking these are just political plays, not economic.

   If Canada elects PP, tariffs will disappear and trump will create a perception of conservative rule being good for the economy, thereby advancing his political breed in allied territory.

4. Given Canada doesn’t actually export any fet into the US, the concessions are pretty silly. 

5. What this administration fails to understand is that this still is going to hurt the US economy long term. You may get some concessions from your allies but they won’t continue to trade with unreliable partners if other more reliable ones are available.

   China makes some sense but again if you want to really get them to change then you need your allies on board to put maximum pressure on them, not going it alone against everyone individually.

6. Whether delayed or cancelled outright , the damage done to the United States standing in the eyes of Canadians – liberals and conservatives alike – is astronomical. Trump has made a short term gain but a long term loss.

7. It really seems strange to start a trade war with Canada, and do permanent damage to the relationship and trade (yes, this will leave a lasting impact), just to combat fentanyl, which basically doens’t cross into the US from Canada.

   There must be more Trump wants. Or maybe he’s just that dumb.

8. I don’t get how this can be seen as anything other than a 2-0 loss against the US.

   The US got very little, but Canada (and I would think Mexico but I don’t know), are now very motivated to move away from the US.

   It’s such an embarrassment for the US and the US seems utterly oblivious to that fact. Truly remarkable stuff.

9. It sounds like Trudeau is letting Trump save face after the response from the markets to his tariffs has been… less than stellar. Again, the issue with this crap is that the US seems more unstable to our allies. This is Xi’s dream come true.

10. If I were Xi Jinping I would be so happy. Trump is single-handedly destroying the western bloc into weak lonely nations.

11. damage is done . too late USA we still boycott .

12. These few days will undoubtedly have long term inflationary effects for Americans since Canadians and Mexicans will make sure to increase their pool of trading partners and Americans will have to compete with more people to buy their ressources and goods.

13. Why would anyone trust Trump? Why would anyone sign an agreement with the U.S. when it is tossed aside with contempt?

14. Neighbour decides to hint at invading my home?
    *waves across seas* “yoo hoo, EU! Can we join up please?! Okay if get tight with Asia, too? Thx!”
    — Canada

15. Step 1: Be in a position where you are strong economically compared to your allies

    Step 2: Use this strength to bully concessions out of them

    Step 3: Assume that this relationship, and the relative power dynamics will never change.

    *The relative power dynamics change, because they always do*

    Step 4: We need something from our allies but they’re not being very cooperative.

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