Warning of tariffs if we try for a free trade deal with China shows convincingly that the U.S. is using tariffs as threats

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So, to recap last week’s events: On Tuesday, our prime minister tells a Davos audience that in the world we’re currently living in “great powers” have begun “using economic integration as weapons. Tariffs as leverage.” Then, but four days later, President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 100 per cent tariff on Canadian goods if we make a trade deal with China.

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It rather proves Carney’s point, doesn’t it?

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Trump’s threat makes no sense, however. Canada is not currently seeking a free-trade deal with China. At one time the Trudeau government apparently was interested but China itself nixed that. Even if such a deal were still a live issue, however, Trump’s fear that “… Governor........

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