Provinces can't overreact to latest Trump tariffs, N.L. business expert says

Provinces can’t overreact to the latest Trump tariffs, a Newfoundland and Labrador business expert says, urging a strategic response to the U.S. proposal. Tom Cooper, a professor at Memorial University, said President Donald Trump is using tariffs as “economic coercion,” creating uncertainty that can be difficult for businesses, consumers, and the country. Trump proposed a 50% retaliatory tariff on a wide list of Canadian exports, spanning electronics, plastics, alcohol, cement, and hockey gear, with a planned start of Aug. 19. The move followed stalled Canada–U.S. talks on amendments to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump agreed this week to intensify negotiations, and Carney will meet premiers in Charlottetown on Thursday to discuss trade. Cooper noted the province’s energy and fishing sectors are not directly subject to the tariffs, offering some room for provincial governments to examine options. Former premier Andrew Furey echoed the call for restraint and a unified front.