WASHINGTON (WCAX) – Vermont Sen. Peter Welch is calling on President Trump to immediately drop plans for a new 50% tariff on most Canadian goods, calling it an “extreme escalation of President Trump’s trade war on Vermont’s closest partner in trade.”
Trump claims Canada unfairly discriminates against American auto, alcohol and dairy products. The Trump administration says the tariff will impact several Canadian products, from wine to hockey sticks to cement. Some experts worry the move could trigger a new wave of economic uncertainty with the risk of higher inflation and disrupt relations with Canada. The tariffs are set to take effect on most Canadian goods in 30 days.
“The White House’s endless attacks on our Canadian neighbors—Vermont’s closest partner in trade—have caused undeniable harm to our state’s economy,” Welch said in a statement. “This is yet another reason why Congress needs to take back its constitutional power over trade policy. This administration needs to answer for the economic chaos it’s creating.”
Families can’t afford their groceries or gas right now. The President’s response?
Making Americans pay a 50 percent sales tax for more goods and services. https://t.co/ObXtmE5qDX
— Sen. Maggie Hassan (@SenatorHassan) July 20, 2026
New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander also called out the president on X for exacerbating the affordability crisis for working families.
Welch sits on the Senate Finance Committee. He will be among lawmakers likely to question U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Wednesday about the new tariffs.
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