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
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
Stronger rail movement and lower fuel prices are easing logistics, even as export pace and river conditions remain uneven.
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss winter safety reminders and preparedness.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
Gretchen Kuck of the National Corn Growers Association joined us to discuss the Ag Coalition for USMCA’s report findings and expectations ahead of the upcoming USMCA review.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.