BURLINGTON, VT—Following failed trade negotiations, President Trump’s 50% tariffs on hundreds of Canadian-made goods take effect Saturday. U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement: 

“President Trump has ratcheted up his trade war against Canada yet again. These new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods are a continuation of the president’s chaotic economic policies, and a slap in the face to businesses and farmers in Vermont and northern border states across America. Cross-border business relationships, built over decades, are in the lurch. Uncertainty about a long-term trade deal with our closest ally has grown, and long-term trade negotiations seem to now be on ice.  

“For the sake of American businesses, American farms, and American families, I urge President Trump to drop these tariffs and find an off-ramp to his reckless trade war. It is also long past time for my Republican colleagues to stand up and take back our constitutionally-granted tariff power—Congress cannot continue ceding our authority on trade and tariffs.” 

Senator Welch is the lead sponsor of the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada. Senator Welch also cosponsors the bipartisan Trade Review Act, which seeks to restore Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy.   

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