Though I think Trump acted foolishly in starting a trade war with Canada, I can see one possible plus coming out of it: a shaking of the foundations of Canada's agricultural, cultural, telecommunications, and other cartels.
For example, should Trump raise tariffs on Canadian cars and other products, that could criple the Canadian economy which in turn could put tremendous public pressure on Canadian agricultural, telecommunications, and other lobbyists to back off Canadian taxpayers and consumers.
It might also make Canada seek international trade more aggressively.
Unfortunately, it can also feed the flames of anti-Americanism for decades to come especially if Canadians feel defeated by it, and that could have major repercussions on both sides exceeding whatever benefit of freer trade forced onto us from the outside.
I'm actually quite divided on that front. Economically, I could see a benefit to Canada if Trump wins the trade war to force us to open our borders more to trade. Politically though, I can see both sides paying a major price for years to come.
For example, should Trump raise tariffs on Canadian cars and other products, that could criple the Canadian economy which in turn could put tremendous public pressure on Canadian agricultural, telecommunications, and other lobbyists to back off Canadian taxpayers and consumers.
It might also make Canada seek international trade more aggressively.
Unfortunately, it can also feed the flames of anti-Americanism for decades to come especially if Canadians feel defeated by it, and that could have major repercussions on both sides exceeding whatever benefit of freer trade forced onto us from the outside.
I'm actually quite divided on that front. Economically, I could see a benefit to Canada if Trump wins the trade war to force us to open our borders more to trade. Politically though, I can see both sides paying a major price for years to come.
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