Skip to main content

Featured

Trade Tensions Rise as EU Prepares Retaliation Against U.S. Tariff Hike

The European Union has strongly condemned President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, warning of swift countermeasures that could escalate global trade tensions. Announced Friday near Pittsburgh, Trump raised existing steel and aluminum tariffs from 25% to 50%, aiming to protect U.S. industry and bolster a $14.9 billion Nippon Steel–U.S. Steel deal. The European Commission responded sharply, calling the move a threat to transatlantic economic stability and global supply chains. “This decision adds further uncertainty to the global economy and increases costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic,” a spokesperson said. The EU is finalizing consultations on expanded retaliatory tariffs, set to take effect by July 14 unless a negotiated solution is reached. The reaction from global trade partners was swift. Canada’s Chamber of Commerce criticized the tariffs as a threat to North American economic security, while Canada’s Uni...

article

Canadian Dollar Soars as U.S. Tariffs Are Shelved

 

The Canadian dollar surged to a near five-week high against its U.S. counterpart on Monday as the threat of immediate U.S. trade tariffs diminished. The loonie was trading 1.1% higher at 1.4325 per U.S. dollar, or 69.81 U.S. cents, after touching its strongest intraday level since December 17 at 1.4262.

The relief rally came after newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would not impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico on his first day in office. Instead, Trump directed federal agencies to evaluate U.S. trade relationships with these countries. This decision alleviated market concerns and boosted investor confidence.

Additionally, a Bank of Canada survey revealed that firms are beginning to anticipate improved economic activity, further supporting the loonie's rise. However, Canadian businesses remain cautious about the potential impact of future U.S. trade policies.

With inflation expectations normalizing, the Bank of Canada may consider lowering interest rates to stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment.




Comments