Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has suggested that Canada should eliminate its tariffs on U.S. goods to prevent a potential trade conflict. During a speech on the Senate floor, Kennedy highlighted the importance of maintaining strong economic ties between the two nations and expressed concern over the current trade imbalance.

Kennedy stated, "I want to say this unequivocally: Canada is one of my favorite countries in the world. The American people and the people of Canada are friends, and I would like our economies to be friends—and I mean that." He emphasized the existing trade disparity, noting that Canada sells $63 billion more in goods to the U.S. than vice versa.

The senator criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's response to President Trump's tariff strategy. "In response, the Canadian government, the new Prime Minister [Mark] Carney, he has pretty much bowed up," Kennedy said. He described how both leaders' stances could lead to a trade war.

Kennedy proposed a solution: "Let’s avoid a trade war... That is my respectful challenge to P.M. Carney tonight." He urged Carney to reduce Canada's tariffs to zero and encourage President Trump to do likewise for American tariffs on Canadian products.

The backdrop for these comments is President Trump's upcoming announcement on April 2, 2025, regarding new tariffs on U.S. trade partners. The Trump administration plans reciprocal tariffs equal to those imposed by other countries on American goods. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism that negotiations might avert some of these measures if other nations recognize their reciprocal nature.