Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland argues that permanent US tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, cars, and car parts would hurt both Canada and the United States. She says the tariffs weaken US manufacturing by raising input costs and would particularly damage Detroit automakers. Freeland describes the policy as self-mutilating and points to Brexit as a historic example of losing by winning.
- Freeland says permanent tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, cars, and car parts are harmful to those Canadian sectors.
- She argues the tariffs are also bad for the US, especially by making US manufacturers weaker.
- She cites 2018 tariff studies showing net harm to US manufacturing.
- She calls aluminum tariffs self-harming because aluminum is effectively electricity in solid form.
- She warns permanent tariffs on cars and car parts will hurt Detroit automakers.
- She says Canadians support their prime minister but Canadian unions in autos, steel, and aluminum will be concerned.