Canadian salmon could face US tariffs within ten days
Canadian salmon exports to the United States could be hit by tariffs from the start of next month, it emerged last night as Donald Trump celebrated his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States.
With a deluge of new legislation on his first day in office Trump has delayed the threat he made against the two countries a week ago.
Most of Canada’s salmon and other seafood is exported to the US, its closest market.
Trump said he was taking action against Canada and Mexico because he claims they have loose borders, allowing illegal immigrants to flood into the US.
He said last night: “I think we will introduce tariffs from February 1st.”
This does give Canada limited time to reach an interim agreement until a more permanent arrangement can be sorted out.
Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said his country was ready to respond to whatever action emerged, adding that it would be a mistake to introduce tariffs.
The US is Canada’s main market for farmed salmon and other seafood and the imposition of tariffs would be a serious blow to an already struggling industry. But it is also a vital market for Norwegian and Scottish salmon. So far Trump has made no such threats against Norway or the UK.
The Norwegian government and the Norwegian Seafood Council believe they are likely to escape tariffs because of close ties between the two countries.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said last night that he believed Norwegian exports should not be at risk from tariffs.
“I look forward to good co-operation between us,” he added.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to visit Trump within the next few weeks when, no doubt, the issue of tariffs will be raised. So far there is no expectation of a tariff threat against Britain – but Trump is unpredictable.
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