Tariffs on Canada and Mexico will Stifle Economic Growth, Threaten Jobs, and Undermine Global Competitiveness

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg released the following statement after the Trump administration imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico: 

"While we strongly support the Trump administration’s goal of strengthening our trade relationships and creating fair and favorable terms for America, imposing 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will hurt American manufacturers and farmers. Our North American trading partners are a critical part of the supply chains that power the equipment manufacturing industry. Tariffs on critical parts and components will drive up costs, disrupt production, and threaten tens of thousands of jobs across the United States. 

America’s equipment manufacturers depend on a stable, predictable trade environment to do what we do best: build equipment, invest in our communities, and create jobs. Maintaining strong trade relationships with Canada and Mexico is vital to America’s continued economic growth and national security. It is imperative that we protect the economic engine that is North America from policies, however well intended, that will stifle growth at the worst possible time. 

We urge the administration to reconsider this broad and indiscriminate application of tariffs and work with Congress on targeted measures that address trade imbalances without hurting the U.S. economy.