Southfield — Oakland County Democrats called the paused Canadian and Mexican tariffs a “direct threat on Michigan’s economy” Saturday as they voiced their concerns about their potential impact on the state and country.
Former U.S. Rep Brenda Lawrence, who now chairs the Oakland County Democratic Party, spoke to a crowd of Democrats Saturday at the Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall in Southfield. Lawrence said if anyone understands the power of being allies with Canada, Michigan does.
“Make no mistake, these tariffs are an attack on the American consumer and businesses. They will drive up costs, threaten jobs and create economic uncertainty for our manufacturers,” Lawrence said. “These tariffs could lead to higher production costs, job losses and price hikes, which have a direct impact on our families.”
On Monday, Canada and Mexico made concessions on the placement of border troops and drug-related measures to placate President Donald Trump and produce a 30-day pause on the 25% tariffs he slapped on the top U.S. allies and trade partners in an emergency order. It also delayed a 10% tariff on energy imported from Canada, including oil, natural gas and electricity.
Trump’s primary rationale for the import duties on Canada — set at 10% for all energy products and 25% for all other goods — is the “sustained influx of illicit opioids and other drugs” into the United States across its northern border. The executive order Trump signed to issue the tariffs gave no other justification, though the president has spoken in the past about wanting to take manufacturing jobs from U.S. allies and foes alike.
In a statement after the Canada tariffs were paused, U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township, the fourth ranking Republican in the House, praised Trump.
“Incredible. President Trump just worked with two allies to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl from entering our country,” McClain said. “The days of America getting walked all over are gone. Today’s deals are steps toward leveling the playing field, securing our borders, and SAVING LIVES.”
But U.S. Rep Haley Stevens said at the Saturday press conference that the threat and possibility of tariffs are still causing chaos and confusion among Americans.
“Taking our two best allies that are inextricable to our economy and our workforce, it doesn’t work,” Stevens said.
Stevens said while Trump mentioned tariffs during his campaign, he never said he planned on imposing a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico that would “that would strangle us right out of the gate.”
If Trump ends up imposing these tariffs on Michigan, it will impact everyone, especially those who work in manufacturing plants, construction, maritime and the auto industry, said Jeannette Bradshaw, recording secretary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
“There are ways that we could be more efficient, absolutely, but just adding attacks to an entire country that we’ve had a fair trade with for a long time, it doesn’t make any sense, and specifically, when you share a border,” Bradshaw said. “It’s a huge concern, and it should be a concern of every single person.”
Michigan engages in about $78 billion worth of trade annually with Canada and relies heavily on repeated cross-border exchanges to power its signature auto industry, according to the Associated Press.
kberg@detroitnews.com
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