A B.C. economic expert believes that the Canadian delegation's trip to Washington to meet with American officials is unlikely to persuade them to lift tariffs on Canadian goods. However, he emphasizes the importance of taking any opportunity to address the issue.
A B.C. economic expert believes it is a 'long-shot' that the delegation of Canadian premiers and territorial leaders traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with American officials will successfully persuade them to lift tariffs imposed on Canadian goods. However, he emphasizes that this does not mean they should refrain from attempting to do so.
Ulrich Paschen, an instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Melville School of Business, draws a parallel to the famous Wayne Gretzky quote, asserting that the leaders would miss 100 percent of the shots they don't take. 'We don't have very good options right now, so I think they are taking the options that they have, even if they are less than ideal,' Paschen stated. 'I wouldn't fault the Canadian politicians for what they are trying to do right now.'Paschen clarifies that this trip is not merely a public relations exercise. 'Not 100 percent,' he acknowledges. 'The chances are low. But they are determined to take them.' He points to the current structure of the U.S. administration as a contributing factor to the challenge. 'The working-level connections that premiers and Canadian leaders have with American institutions, they have served us well in the past, but I think right now, those institutions are being largely sidelined, so their influence will be less than what used to be...the norm,' he explained.Paschen suggests that while there's a small chance of success, the primary audience for this trip is the Canadian public, as Canadians have expressed significant concern about the need for action. Taking steps, even if imperfect, is better than doing nothing. The trip follows the imposition of 25 percent U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum from all countries, scheduled to take effect on March 4th. These tariffs will apply to Canada and Mexico even though the United States has temporarily paused 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican goods until early March. Paschen describes the situation as 'getting frosty,' noting that this is a global phenomenon of tariffs targeting commodities and supplies worldwide. Canada, being a major supplier, particularly of aluminum, is disproportionately affected. He argues that while the tariffs on steel and aluminum might have a minimal impact on larger trade negotiations, President Trump's focus on trade deficits and promoting domestic production weakens Canada's negotiating position. Paschen expresses skepticism about the possibility of Canada and Mexico avoiding 25 percent tariffs on all goods except steel and aluminum in exchange for accepting those tariffs on steel and aluminum. He believes that scenario is unlikely. He also suggests that the temporary reprieve from tariffs was a tactic to gauge how far Canada and Mexico were willing to concede on border security issues.Paschen concludes by highlighting the global trend of the United States becoming more inward-looking and protectionist, a phenomenon not seen since the interwar period.
CANADA TARIFFS UNITED STATES TRADE RELATIONS ECONOMIC POLICY GLOBAL TRADE
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