Mexico Must Act on Chinese Goods, Says Ford Amid Trump Tariff Threat
Ford Warns Mexico on Trade as Tariff Threat Looms
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is taking aim at Mexico as President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods hangs over North America.
Ford alleges that Mexico is allowing “cheap Chinese products” to be falsely labeled as “made in Mexico” and shipped through the U.S. and Canada, costing American and Canadian jobs.
“They’re slapping the ‘made in Mexico’ sticker on, shipping it up through the US and Canada, and costing American and Canadian jobs,” Ford said.
His comments come amidst escalating tensions over Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico.Trump insists the tariffs are necessary until both countries secure their borders against the flow of illegal drugs and migrants.
Canada Responds with Border Security Plan
In response to the looming threat, the Canadian government unveiled a five-point plan to bolster border security on Tuesday. The plan includes measures to detect and disrupt the fentanyl trade, provide law enforcement with new tools, enhance operational coordination, increase information sharing, and minimize unneeded border traffic.
Ottawa has earmarked $1.3 billion for the six-year plan, though Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc insists the plan was in growth long before Trump’s tariff threats.
Ford Calls for Unity and Bilateral Deal
At a meeting of provincial premiers on Monday, Ford urged the federal government to include provincial leaders in trade negotiations with the U.S. He also reiterated his call for Canada to meet its two percent NATO spending commitment, a long-standing demand from Trump and U.S. lawmakers.
Ford has even suggested pursuing a bilateral trade deal directly with the U.S., bypassing the federal government.
Energy as leverage: Ford’s Last Resort
Last week, Ford threatened to cut off Ontario-made energy to 1.5 million U.S. homes if Trump imposes the tariffs.
“I want to sell more energy to the U.S., I want to sell more critical minerals to the U.S.,” Ford stated.”again, we are the closest trading partner, closest allies. We do $1.3 trillion in two-way trade. That’s more than Japan,China,UK and France combined. I just feel we aren’t the enemy. The big problem, in my opinion, is China.”
Ford has also threatened to restrict the LCBO from purchasing American alcohol, halt the export of critical minerals, and exclude the U.S.from Ontario’s procurement process if the tariffs are implemented. He expressed hope that all premiers will travel to Washington in February to meet with Trump after his inauguration in January.
Ontario premier Takes Aim at Mexico Amidst Tariff fears
Toronto, Canada – In teh midst of escalating tensions over President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has pointed a finger at Mexico, accusing the country of allowing ”cheap Chinese products” to be falsely labeled as “made in Mexico” and shipped through the U.S. and Canada.
Ford alleges this practice costs American and Canadian jobs. His comments come as Canada races to mitigate the potential fallout from Trump’s threatened 25% tariff, which he insists is necessary to address border security concerns related to drugs and migration.
In response to the looming threat,the Canadian government unveiled a five-point plan to bolster border security,allocating $1.3 billion over six years.
Ford has called for a united front,urging the federal government to include provincial leaders in trade negotiations with the U.S and reiterating his belief that Canada should meet its two percent NATO spending commitment. He has even suggested pursuing a bilateral trade deal directly with the U.S., bypassing Ottawa.
In a last-ditch effort to avert the tariffs, Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to 1.5 million U.S. homes, restrict American alcohol sales in Ontario, halt the export of critical minerals, and exclude the US from Ontario’s procurement process.
“I want to sell more energy to the U.S., I want to sell more critical minerals to the U.S.,” Ford stated.”Again, we are the closest trading partner, closest allies. We do $1.3 trillion in two-way trade. That’s more than Japan, China, UK and France combined. I just feel we aren’t the enemy.the big problem, in my opinion, is China.”
Ford expressed hope that all premiers might travel to Washington in february to meet with President-elect Trump after his inauguration.