Maine leaders react to US and Canada retaliatory tariffs
Maine imports around $2 billion from Canada annually and now state leaders are concerned how more tariffs will hurt the economy.
Maine —
The United States’ 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods took effect early Saturday morning, after the United States and Canada failed to reach a trade deal. Canada has now set Sept. 8 as the start of its retaliatory penalties.
Economic impacts are expected in Maine, which shares part of its border with Canada. Maine’s political leaders are responding to the increased tariffs.
Gov. Janet Mills took to social media on Saturday to voice her displeasure over the tariffs, saying, “The President’s latest escalation of his foolish trade war with Canada will create more uncertainty for Maine businesses, push costs even higher for Maine families, and further strain our bond with our closest trading partner. Maine has had enough of this unending trade whiplash. Instead of picking fights over hockey sticks, the President should focus on stabilizing a global economy pushed to the brink by his reckless war in Iran.”
Sen. Susan Collins said in a statement that she hopes President Donald Trump’s administration goes back to the negotiating table. “The on-again/off-again trade talks between the U.S. and Canada lead to higher costs, risk, and uncertainty for Maine businesses. If the Administration proceeds with these tariffs, they will increase costs for Maine families, as most businesses will have no choice but to pass on the tariffs to their customers through higher prices.”
Collins said that Maine imports about $2 billion in non-petroleum products from Canada each year. According to the Government of Canada, the U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner in goods and services, while Canada is the U.S.’ second-largest trading partner.
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree shared her concerns over how Canada’s retaliatory tariffs could negatively impact the U.S. economy, while also saying she understands Prime Minister Carney’s frustrations.
“At a time when millions of Americans are already being crushed by Trump’s disastrous economic policies, his decision to raise tariffs on all Canadian imports to 50% will only make things worse — while further eroding one of our most critical global alliances,” Pingree said.