For 70 years, Canada sold into America on easy terms while American farmers paid through the nose to sell north. President Trump says that is about to end. Speaking to reporters beside Air Force One on Sunday, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum at his side, the President said, “We are now very close to having a deal.”
“So we have the concept of a very good deal with Canada,” Trump said. He said the United States had been losing money on the relationship for “70, 75 years,” and that he has been talking directly with Canada’s leader: “I spoke to the Prime Minister the other day. I spoke to him again yesterday.”
The heart of the deal is the American farmer. “Our farmers were paying tremendous tariffs to send things to Canada,” Trump said. “All those tariffs will be gone,” including charges of “as much as 400 percent for milk products.” Under the agreement, he said, “our farmers will have to pay no tariffs.”
Then came energy. “They’re going to build the Keystone pipeline. They’re going to pay for it… all of it,” the President said. “We’re going to give them the route, and it’s largely been determined.” Burgum added that Canada exports more than 4 million barrels of oil, calling the pipeline a “great thing for American farmers, ranchers, for diesel prices.” Then he said, “Nobody’s done more for ranchers and farmers. That’s why we’re going to Iowa and Kansas today.”
Zero tariffs for American dairy, a pipeline Canada pays for, and lower diesel for the heartland. Trump summed it up himself: “Great for our farmers, great for our country. It will be fine for Canada too.” That is America First trade, delivered two days before Election Day.
