Tariff Feedback: Chuck Grassley and Canadian leaders respond to the possibility of tariffs

25 percent tariffs are just days away for Canada and Mexico, which are both major trade partners of the United States.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says while there could be retaliatory tariffs, this is what the people decided.

“The country has turned protectionist and mercantilist, and I don’t think that’s good. But we did have an election decided that the country likes what Trump’s trying to do.”

Canadian leaders have also been vocal about the tariff threats, saying the energy markets could be in for a shock if they go through.

“Our entire trade surplus is due to oil and gas. We export at enormous discounts to market price. Depending on the time, we sell a barrel of oil to the Americans for 10 to 30 or 40 percent cheaper than the world price. If President Trump wants to make America richer, the last thing he should want to do is block the under-priced Canadian energy from going into his marketplace,” said Pierre Poilievre, the current Canadian Conservative Party Leader.

Poilievre is widely believed to be Canada’s next Prime Minister. President Trump has given a Saturday start date for the 25 percent tariffs if Canada and Mexico do not cooperate with his immigration plan.

Related Stories
The lower outlook follows months of drought stress across major winter wheat regions, where some producers have abandoned fields or shifted acres to grazing instead of harvest.
Current estimates indicate the federal government could be forced to return more than $150 billion to importers.
Aimee Bissell discusses Iowa planting progress, weather conditions, fertilizer costs, and concerns over early crop development.
Farmers are closely watching upcoming U.S.-China trade talks as rising fertilizer and diesel costs continue to pressure exports, margins, and rural economies.
Stronger overseas demand for both fuel ethanol and feed co-products continues to reinforce corn use beyond the domestic market.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney joins us to discuss geopolitical trade tensions, energy market volatility, and what global shifts could mean for U.S. agriculture exports.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) President Mark Watne joined us Monday to share his perspective on the America First Trade Promotion Program and potential implications for producers.
Dividing up a family farming operation can be challenging, especially for children who may not want to become farmers themselves.
A booming butterfat market is good for some dairy products but threatens efficiency and margins for cheesemakers unless protein levels catch up
Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), joined us in Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the USDA’s plan and potential impact on producers.
U.S. Farmers Navigate Harvest Pace, Costs, Policy Shifts