Mike Pence warned Sunday that an escalating tariff battle between the United States and Canada could hurt American consumers and businesses, arguing that a trade war with the neighboring country is the “last thing” the U.S. economy needs as it continues to recover.
Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Pence was questioned by host Dana Bash about the renewed trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa, with the two countries threatening matching 50% tariffs following the collapse of negotiations Friday night.
“I want to ask you about something a little closer to home in the U.S., and that is the renewed trade war between Canada and the U.S., going dollar for dollar on 50% tariffs. Trade talks collapsed on Friday night. The Canadian prime minister blamed unfair last minute demands by the U.S., saying the administration asked too much and offered too little, and that Canada is effectively at war with the U.S. on trade. Does that help Americans right now?” Bash asked.
Pence responded by pointing to concerns about affordability and reiterating his longstanding opposition to the Trump administration’s broad use of tariffs, contending that their costs ultimately fall on Americans.
“Look, we hear about the issue of affordability right now and as you know I’ve taken a firm position since Liberation Day tariffs, that fortunately the Supreme Court turned over, that American businesses and American consumers pay American tariffs. And I think the last thing we need right now, as our economy is getting back on its feet, is a trade war with Canada.”
Pence said he hopes the latest escalation is ultimately part of an effort to secure a negotiated agreement rather than the beginning of a prolonged economic confrontation between the two countries.
“My hope is, for the sake of American families and for the sake of the American economy, is that what we’re looking at here is negotiation and not confrontation in a trade war.”
