Start Date: 2025-01-18
End Date: 2025-01-24

Top Headlines

Main Stories

President Trump took office this week, on Monday January 20th.

Canada Hosts Economic Briefing Amid U.S. Trade Concerns

On January 24, Deputy Minister of Finance Chris Forbes and Deputy Ambassador Arun Alexander held a briefing with Canadian stakeholders regarding the Canada-U.S. economic relationship. The session addressed U.S. President Trump's "America First Trade Policy" and potential tariff implications. The Canadian government is committed to avoiding U.S. tariffs through advocacy and collaboration while preparing to respond to any U.S. actions that may affect Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly Raises Tariff Concerns with U.S. Secretary of State

On January 23, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the potential impacts of U.S. tariffs on Canada. Joly emphasized the importance of advancing energy security and reducing reliance on non-likeminded partners. As Canada assumes the G7 presidency, they also discussed geopolitical challenges and the role of the G7.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA Affirms Commitment to Efficiency and Security

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) marked International Customs Day by highlighting their efforts to enhance border security and trade efficiency. In 2024, CBSA seized over 34,400 kg of illegal drugs and intercepted over 2,270 stolen vehicles. A $1.3 billion investment is set to enhance border measures, supporting trade efficiency and securing North American borders.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

America First Trade Policy Introduced by U.S.

President Trump introduced the "America First Trade Policy" on January 21, focusing on prioritizing the U.S. economy and national security. The memorandum mandates investigations into trade deficits and foreign trade practices, with reports due by April 2025. It addresses tariffs, trade agreements, and the industrial base, impacting Canada-U.S. trade relations.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Correction to Softwood Lumber Antidumping Duty Rates

The U.S. Department of Commerce corrected the all-others rate for the antidumping duty on softwood lumber from Canada, adjusting it from 6.58% to 6.04% for the 2021 review. This adjustment impacts Canadian exporters and their competitive positioning in the U.S. market.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

U.S. Proposes Changes to Low-Value Shipment Regulations

The U.S. proposed amendments to regulations on low-value shipments, potentially affecting Canadian exporters by requiring more detailed documentation.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Softwood Lumber Duty Correction for 2019

The U.S. Department of Commerce corrected the antidumping duty rate for Canadian softwood lumber for 2019 from 6.58% to 6.04%.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Correction on 2020 Softwood Lumber Duty Rate

A correction was made to the 2020 antidumping duty rate on Canadian softwood lumber, revising it from 6.58% to 6.04%.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Notice to Importers: Beef and Veal

Global Affairs Canada issued a notice regarding beef and veal import controls, potentially affecting bilateral trade with the U.S.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Alberta Premier Welcomes U.S. Tariff Reprieve

Premier Danielle Smith expressed relief over the U.S. decision to refrain from imposing tariffs, emphasizing diplomacy as key to future negotiations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Premier Doug Ford Prepares for Possible U.S. Tariffs

Premier Doug Ford stated Ontario's readiness to protect its economy against potential U.S. tariffs, highlighting the importance of a collaborative federal response.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Justin Trudeau on U.S. Tariff Preparations

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted about cabinet meetings focused on protecting Canadians from U.S. tariffs.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Pierre Poilievre Criticizes Liberal Trade Policy

Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberal government's handling of softwood lumber tariffs, highlighting past Conservative successes.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Julie Dzerowicz on Canadian Tariff Readiness

MP Julie Dzerowicz tweeted about Canada's preparedness if President Trump imposes tariffs, questioning U.S. motivations.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Vance Badawey Highlights Niagara Ports Trade Corridor

MP Vance Badawey praised the Niagara Ports Trade Corridor for fostering economic growth and innovation between Canada and the U.S.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CTV News: Trudeau criticizes Trump's tariff proposal as contradictory to U.S. economic goals.
• National Post: Canadian optimism as Trump pauses tariff enforcement.
• The Star: Trudeau's confidence in handling U.S. trade threats.
• CBC: Analysis of the implications of Trump's tariffs on Canada.
• CBC: Nova Scotia's lobster industry considers market diversification amid U.S. tariff threats.