Detroit City Wire

Business leaders gathered at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s State of the Region presentation to discuss President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs. Scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, these tariffs are set to target several countries, including Canada, and could significantly impact Michigan’s economy.

Colin Bird, Consul General of Canada in Detroit, addressed the current state of trade policy by stating, “We are in a period of yo-yo tariff policy which in itself is incredibly disruptive for folks who are having to manage across the border.” This sentiment was echoed by many at the Chamber's meeting.

Among the goals of these tariffs are securing the Canadian border and halting the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States. The tariffs will focus on imports from Canada, including energy, oil, and other goods. However, this approach has raised concerns about the diplomatic and economic relationship with Canada. “It’s a close, close relationship and there’s no good reason for our government at any level to label Canada as a national security threat or a trade partner villain or to suggest that Canada become the 51st state. That is a supreme insult,” remarked James Blanchard, former U.S. Ambassador to Canada.

The Chamber's President and CEO, Sandy K. Baruah, questioned the feasibility of the tariffs in achieving the administration's goals of countering unfair trade practices and boosting American manufacturing. “We’re gonna bring manufacturing back. Tell me how that’s going to happen in a political cycle? Best case scenario: it takes 3–4 years to build an automotive plant; It takes that same amount of time if you’re lucky to build an aluminum plant," Baruah commented. He also expressed concern about the potential economic slowdown and ensuing unemployment the tariffs might provoke.

With the proposed tariffs, Michigan, heavily reliant on cross-border trade, could face economic challenges. “On the Canadian side, these tariffs might have them searching elsewhere for a deal,” Baruah added.

As the situation develops, the exact details of President Trump’s tariffs are expected to be revealed on Wednesday.