As Canadian manufacturers fear possible U.S. tariffs, Andrew Parsons says there's still hope

Export-reliant manufacturers meeting in St. John's this week say potential U.S. tariffs could have huge impacts on business in Newfoundland and Labrador, but Industry Minister Andrew Parsons says now isn't the time to panic.

"I think these things are resolved through conversation, negotiation, and in many cases, look, there's always a little bit of politics in this, too," Parsons told CBC News Thursday at the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Manufacturing Insights Conference.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced last week a plan to place a 25 per cent tariff on all products entering the United States from Canada and Mexico. Those tariffs could come into effect on his inauguration day — set for Jan. 20 — unless more is done to help his goal of curbing the flow of drugs and migrants across U.S. borders, Trump has said.

That possibility was on the minds of many during the conference.

David Haire, the organization's Newfoundland and Labrador vice-president, told reporters the move would be devastating to the Canadian economy. 

Haire said any tariff would be bad for all parties involved, on account that 75 per cent of manufactured goods in Canada cross into the U.S. each day — totalling around $2.5 billion.

He says it's up to the industry and leaders alike to make that message clear.

"The Americans and the Canadians will lose if this is enacted," Haire said.

"He got elected on the economy, he got elected on the security of the borders and we would say a tariff will have a negative impact on the United States manufacturers, workers, consumers and the people themselves."

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey was among leaders voicing their demand to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to make sure regional industries are considered in discussions around the tariffs and trade.

Furey stressed the need for a "Team Canada approach" in negotiations. Parsons told the conference that remains important.

"In April, I met with somebody from [Trump's] transition team. These are individuals who are extremely savvy and extremely concerned about the United States's economic well being," Parsons said.

"That is not achieved without working with partners like Canada and without provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador. And that's what gives me hope that we will continue to work through this."

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