Canada's ambassador to the United States has asserted that the country is ready to increase imports from the United States in response to President-elect Donald Trump's threat to increase tariffs.
“We want to source as much as possible from the United States, and we have some large-scale military procurements coming up, for example to replace an entire submarine fleet,” Ambassador Kirsten Hillman said. Associated Press In an article published Monday.
“Maybe they could be purchased from the United States,” she added, noting that 70 per cent of Canada's military procurement comes from the United States.
Hillman said he believes President Trump's comments about raising tariffs are part of his “negotiating style,” but he stressed that it would be detrimental to the people of both countries.
“Imposing a 25% tariff on these products would almost immediately result in higher prices for Americans,” Hillman told The Associated Press. “And at a time when food prices are rising and the cost of living is tough, it seems like the wrong direction to go.”
Mr. Trump campaigned on economic stability, focusing on reducing the average voter's daily expenses. But President Trump has been harshly criticized by economists for proposing high import taxes on products from key allies and trading partners.
Hillman said Canada stands ready to reverse President Trump's new tariffs.
“Canada will respond,” she said. “So our biggest customers will make American products more expensive, and Canadians will likely look for alternatives to those products.”
Mr. Hillman advocated maintaining a strong alliance with the United States, and said that if the relationship were shaken, America's foreign enemies would move in.
“If we were in a conflict, frankly China would win. China is trying to tear us apart, that's clear,” Hillman said.
“They're taking every opportunity to do that. It's not good for us, it's not good for the people, it's not good for the American people.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
