Tariffs Harm Manufacturing; Canada Seeks Trade Stability

U.S. manufacturing has struggled to recover since 2008, with recent crises revealing its inability to scale production effectively. Tariffs imposed by former President Trump and continued by President Biden, including those on steel, have failed to revive the sector and have caused greater job losses in downstream industries. Recent U.S.-China negotiations have resulted in a temporary 90-day reduction in some tariffs, but significant trade barriers and uncertainty remain, especially for technology businesses. Canadian industries, affected by the ongoing trade war, cautiously welcome tariff reductions but still face high costs and supply chain disruptions. Canada’s main goal in renewed U.S. trade talks is the removal of Trump-era tariffs to stabilize trade. Experts argue that protectionist tariffs have been largely harmful, suggesting that alternative industrial policies may be more effective for revitalizing U.S. manufacturing.