Ford Warns Trump's Trade War Hurting Americans, but Premiers Back PM Carney on Tariff Strategy

As Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to meet with Canadian premiers to discuss the country's response to US tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has warned that the trade war is hurting American businesses and workers. In a press conference, Ford cited statistics showing the US auto industry has faced $6.2 billion in tariff-related costs over the past three months, with many manufacturers expecting significantly higher costs for the year. He also pointed to the disappearance of 37,000 manufacturing jobs in the US, with factory employment at its lowest level in five years.

Key Takeaways:

• Ford warned that the US trade war is hurting American businesses and workers, citing $6.2 billion in tariff-related costs for the US auto industry over the past three months.
• The US auto industry is projecting significantly higher costs for the year due to tariffs, with many manufacturers affected.
• 37,000 manufacturing jobs have disappeared in the US, with factory employment at its lowest level in five years.
• Ford suggested that the Trump administration is trying to downplay the negative impact of tariffs by manipulating job numbers.
• Premier Ford acknowledged speaking with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, but did not reveal specifics of their conversation.
• Ford emphasized the importance of building relationships with the Trump administration while maintaining a strong stance on tariffs.
• He stated that he is 100% supportive of PM Carney's strategy on tariffs and the federal government's approach.

Statistics:

• $6.2 billion in tariff-related costs faced by the US auto industry over the past three months.
• 37,000 manufacturing jobs disappeared in the US.
• Factory employment in the US is at its lowest level in five years.
• 73,000 jobs were added in the US in July, according to labour statistics.
• A total of 258,000 jobs were revised downward in June and May.

Sources:

• www.thestar.com
• Robert Benzie