A proposed U.S. tariff package targeting billions of dollars worth of Canadian exports is raising concerns among businesses, with some of the products on the list leaving industry observers puzzled.
The measures, threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump, would impose a 50 per cent tariff on hundreds of Canadian product categories valued at roughly $20 billion.
While some targets, including alcohol and dairy products, are familiar flashpoints in Canada-U.S. trade disputes, others appear less obvious. Items listed for potential tariffs include wigs, false beards, false eyebrows, horse hair, honey, candles, essential oils, fishing rods and dog leashes.
Montreal wigmaker Ailsa Macmillan, whose custom creations are sold to actors and theatre companies across North America, said the proposed duties could significantly affect her business. Some of her products sell for between $10,000 and $15,000, making a 50 per cent tariff a substantial added cost for U.S. customers.
Trade experts say many of the products on the list are finished goods that can be more easily sourced from American suppliers. International trade lawyer John Boscariol said the U.S. is likely trying to avoid measures that would harm its own manufacturers.
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Retail Council of Canada CEO Kim Furlong said smaller independent retailers that ship directly to American customers could face a greater impact than larger companies with more flexible supply chains.
Despite the uncertainty, some business owners hope the trade tensions could encourage more domestic investment and create opportunities for Canadian suppliers and skilled workers.
The proposed tariffs are the latest development in an ongoing trade dispute that continues to create uncertainty for exporters on both sides of the border.
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American booze back on shelf? Carney, premiers deliberate response to Trump’s new tariffs on Canada
Well good thing I don’t use wigs or drink wine. In other news Trump is a PED0 NAZl scumbag
Who cares, Trump will implement tariffs if he gets a hang nail. Freaking moron! Maybe all the Carney bashers should move to the U. S. And go live with the orange leprechaun.
Who cares carnival is doing nothing for Canada. I still love to lick that shaft.
Good thing we have Carney ss the leader. Slogan poli would have soiled his pants by now, I bet he did when he lost his own seat.
Is it true that Caren is now beinh shunned by all internationalparties for hard bad actor negotiations? Just come clean and deal and admit so much Canada has taken advantage of US for so long.
Still think dithering Carney is the Trump whisperer? This is the same nation who elected Trudeau 3 times. I find the decision making… flawed
Keep kicking them in the nuts with the booze. Never cave to a bully everyone knows that.
Keep them elbows up. Lol! I think it’s working. Global says it is. Heee haaaa. Good little sheep. Baaaah baaaaah.
Elbows up. Laughable! Totally laughable. Politicians playing tough guy. The knew the half wits would swallow it up. Elbows up donkeys.
From day one negotiating was the way to go forward. But no no no elbows up was catchy. How’s that working out for you? Eh?
Getting tired of Trumpalooza….
He will make threats … Libbies will activate TDS…
and then it will not happen.
Meanwhile Carney gets his distraction, and spends more tax dollars on policy nobody wants. But who cares! Trump said WHAT?