Tariffs on Canada

Titan1 wrote:

It's always been about border security with Canada...but if you claim its not about that, then what is it about? 

BH_84 wrote:

I don’t have the time or patience to type out all the answers for you. Instead, here’s Elon’s AI’s answer.  The Official Claim: Drugs as a National Security...

I don’t have the time or patience to type out all the answers for you. 

Instead, here’s Elon’s AI’s answer. 


 The Official Claim: Drugs as a National Security Threat

The White House has framed these tariffs as a response to national security concerns, asserting that Canada’s lax border controls allow drugs like fentanyl—a synthetic opioid driving the U.S. overdose crisis—to seep into the country. Alongside this, there’s mention of illegal immigration across the U.S.-Canada border, though the drug angle has been the louder talking point. Trump has suggested that Canada needs to align more closely with U.S. interests to address these issues, even hinting at extreme measures like Canada becoming the “51st state.”
 
The Data: Where Does Fentanyl Really Come From?

To evaluate this claim, we need to look at the numbers. According to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, less than 1% of fentanyl seizures occur at the U.S.-Canada border. In stark contrast, over 97% of intercepted fentanyl enters through the southern border with Mexico. This is a critical point: Mexico, not Canada, is the primary conduit for fentanyl into the U.S. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s own threat assessments barely mention Canada as a significant source, focusing instead on Mexico and, increasingly, domestic U.S. production fueled by precursor chemicals from China.

But what about fentanyl in Canada itself? There’s some evidence of domestic production—seizures like eight kilograms in Saskatchewan and larger hauls in British Columbia show it’s not nonexistent. However, the scale is tiny compared to Mexico’s industrial-level operations. Canada’s role seems more like a minor player, possibly a transit point in rare cases, rather than a major supplier flooding the U.S. market.

Beyond Drugs: Economic and Political Motives

If the drug justification is shaky, what’s really driving these tariffs? The economic context offers clues. In 2023, the U.S. had a $60 billion trade deficit with Canada in goods, and over 75% of Canadian exports head south. Tariffs hit Canada hard, targeting everything from aluminum to energy—sectors vital to its economy. This suggests a broader goal: leveraging economic pressure to extract concessions. Analysts point to the upcoming 2026 USMCA renegotiation as a potential target, where Trump could push for terms more favorable to the U.S.

There’s also a geopolitical angle. Trump’s “51st state” rhetoric, while hyperbolic, signals a desire to dominate the U.S.-Canada relationship. The tariffs could be a tool to force Canada into alignment on issues like defense spending or trade diversification away from competitors like China. The drug issue, in this light, looks like a convenient pretext—political theater to justify a power play.

Canada’s Response: Playing Defense

Canadian officials have pushed back, calling the drug claims exaggerated and pointing to the same data showing Mexico as the real fentanyl hub. In response to the tariffs, Canada has appointed a “fentanyl czar” and ramped up border security efforts. These moves seem designed to appease the U.S. without conceding too much, but they don’t address the underlying dynamic: the tariffs aren’t really about drugs. Trudeau’s government is in a tough spot, balancing domestic backlash with the need to maintain trade ties with its biggest partner.

Conclusion: A Pretext, Not a Solution

The drug issue tied to Trump’s tariffs on Canada doesn’t withstand close examination. While fentanyl is a genuine crisis in the U.S., Canada’s contribution to it is negligible—less than 1% of seizures compared to Mexico’s overwhelming share. The tariffs appear less about solving a drug problem and more about economic coercion and geopolitical leverage. By amplifying fears about drugs and border security, the U.S. administration has crafted a narrative that masks its real objectives: bending Canada to America’s will on trade and beyond. Unless Canada finds a way to counter this pressure—perhaps through alliances or diversified markets—the drug excuse may just be the first of many tools Trump uses to assert dominance.

Titan1 wrote:

lol….what a cop out.  Nice try.  Come back when you can actually contribute to the conversation…

kxking wrote:

I hate to post and run but I'm heading out the door.....Back in the morning.Is the US not responsible for inspecting those or what enters the...

I hate to post and run but I'm heading out the door.....Back in the morning.

Is the US not responsible for inspecting those or what enters the US?

I keep hearing we are letting Fentynal into the US, but we don't inspect what leaves Canada, you inspect what comes into the US. Just like we inspect what comes into Canada when it leaves the US.

Help me make sense of this.

Titan1 wrote:

Facepalm...it's not like drug smugglers are bringing the fentynol in legally...the unsecured border makes it easy for them to smuggle it in...come on now...

Last2Stroke wrote:

Shouldn't have left gaps in the wall...

Shouldn't have left gaps in the wall...

Titan1 wrote:

Facepalm...it's not like drug smugglers are bringing the fentynol in legally...the unsecured border makes it easy for them to smuggle it in...come on now...

Last2Stroke wrote:

Shouldn't have left gaps in the wall...

Shouldn't have left gaps in the wall...

AZ35 wrote:

I hope that is sarcasm?

Or do you not realize those are test builds of different designs, so they could determine what worked best.

BH_84 wrote:

I don’t have the time or patience to type out all the answers for you. Instead, here’s Elon’s AI’s answer.  The Official Claim: Drugs as a National Security...

I don’t have the time or patience to type out all the answers for you. 

Instead, here’s Elon’s AI’s answer. 


 The Official Claim: Drugs as a National Security Threat

The White House has framed these tariffs as a response to national security concerns, asserting that Canada’s lax border controls allow drugs like fentanyl—a synthetic opioid driving the U.S. overdose crisis—to seep into the country. Alongside this, there’s mention of illegal immigration across the U.S.-Canada border, though the drug angle has been the louder talking point. Trump has suggested that Canada needs to align more closely with U.S. interests to address these issues, even hinting at extreme measures like Canada becoming the “51st state.”
 
The Data: Where Does Fentanyl Really Come From?

To evaluate this claim, we need to look at the numbers. According to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, less than 1% of fentanyl seizures occur at the U.S.-Canada border. In stark contrast, over 97% of intercepted fentanyl enters through the southern border with Mexico. This is a critical point: Mexico, not Canada, is the primary conduit for fentanyl into the U.S. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s own threat assessments barely mention Canada as a significant source, focusing instead on Mexico and, increasingly, domestic U.S. production fueled by precursor chemicals from China.

But what about fentanyl in Canada itself? There’s some evidence of domestic production—seizures like eight kilograms in Saskatchewan and larger hauls in British Columbia show it’s not nonexistent. However, the scale is tiny compared to Mexico’s industrial-level operations. Canada’s role seems more like a minor player, possibly a transit point in rare cases, rather than a major supplier flooding the U.S. market.

Beyond Drugs: Economic and Political Motives

If the drug justification is shaky, what’s really driving these tariffs? The economic context offers clues. In 2023, the U.S. had a $60 billion trade deficit with Canada in goods, and over 75% of Canadian exports head south. Tariffs hit Canada hard, targeting everything from aluminum to energy—sectors vital to its economy. This suggests a broader goal: leveraging economic pressure to extract concessions. Analysts point to the upcoming 2026 USMCA renegotiation as a potential target, where Trump could push for terms more favorable to the U.S.

There’s also a geopolitical angle. Trump’s “51st state” rhetoric, while hyperbolic, signals a desire to dominate the U.S.-Canada relationship. The tariffs could be a tool to force Canada into alignment on issues like defense spending or trade diversification away from competitors like China. The drug issue, in this light, looks like a convenient pretext—political theater to justify a power play.

Canada’s Response: Playing Defense

Canadian officials have pushed back, calling the drug claims exaggerated and pointing to the same data showing Mexico as the real fentanyl hub. In response to the tariffs, Canada has appointed a “fentanyl czar” and ramped up border security efforts. These moves seem designed to appease the U.S. without conceding too much, but they don’t address the underlying dynamic: the tariffs aren’t really about drugs. Trudeau’s government is in a tough spot, balancing domestic backlash with the need to maintain trade ties with its biggest partner.

Conclusion: A Pretext, Not a Solution

The drug issue tied to Trump’s tariffs on Canada doesn’t withstand close examination. While fentanyl is a genuine crisis in the U.S., Canada’s contribution to it is negligible—less than 1% of seizures compared to Mexico’s overwhelming share. The tariffs appear less about solving a drug problem and more about economic coercion and geopolitical leverage. By amplifying fears about drugs and border security, the U.S. administration has crafted a narrative that masks its real objectives: bending Canada to America’s will on trade and beyond. Unless Canada finds a way to counter this pressure—perhaps through alliances or diversified markets—the drug excuse may just be the first of many tools Trump uses to assert dominance.

Titan1 wrote:

lol….what a cop out.  Nice try.  Come back when you can actually contribute to the conversation…

BH_84 wrote:

Not a cop out, I’d just rather spend time with my kids than waste my time typing out the long explanation required. It’s a complex issue...

Not a cop out, I’d just rather spend time with my kids than waste my time typing out the long explanation required. It’s a complex issue that’s further complicated by the orange idiot you Yankee Doodle dummies elected

inflammable wrote:

Oh wise and humble Oracle of Quebec, please educate us with why Kamala Harris would have been a better choice! We beg of you, have pity...

Oh wise and humble Oracle of Quebec, please educate us with why Kamala Harris would have been a better choice! We beg of you, have pity on us and enlighten us!

Titan1 wrote:

Why would you a top selling is potash?  I thought the importer (and then it’s passed on consumer) paid for the tariffs?if it’s the American consumer...

Why would you a top selling is potash?  I thought the importer (and then it’s passed on consumer) paid for the tariffs?

if it’s the American consumer that pays for the tariffs, why would you stop selling it to us?  The tariffs aren’t costing Canada any more money?  

I think a more valid question is, who is Canada going to sell that potash to when America stops buying it…

BH_84 wrote:

See unlike the US, we have many friends all around the world. This is going to hurt the US a lot more than its going to hurt...

See unlike the US, we have many friends all around the world. 

This is going to hurt the US a lot more than its going to hurt Canada. 

The fun part? The stuff we know you need, power, potash etc. We are looking at export taxes on them now rather than simply cutting off the supply. Its like a tariff, but instead of your government taking money from your businesses, our government will take that money from your businesses. 

Or, we can drop the whole thing and go back to being neighbors, allies and trade partners like we've been for over a century.

ohiomotoxer wrote:

I had AM 800 CKLW Windsor on in my shop today. All i could hear was how scared Canadians are about auto line shutdowns and how...

I had AM 800 CKLW Windsor on in my shop today. All i could hear was how scared Canadians are about auto line shutdowns and how all this will cost them.   THEM...not us. 

We could guve a rats ass about canadian products.  Our car lots are full.  I was just at sams club and there isnt anything from Canada i need to survive.  Oh and a friend keeps chickens so my egg supply is...nearly free.  So as Ricky would say... fuck off

M1000 wrote:

 So much anger to Tariffs. Yet Canadian Liberals, Justin, Carney, Freeland are increasing Carbon tax by another 20%. April 1st. This is no April fools joke...

 So much anger to Tariffs. Yet Canadian Liberals, Justin, Carney, Freeland are increasing Carbon tax by another 20%. April 1st. This is no April fools joke. Hypocrites. 

ohiomotoxer wrote:

I had AM 800 CKLW Windsor on in my shop today. All i could hear was how scared Canadians are about auto line shutdowns and how...

I had AM 800 CKLW Windsor on in my shop today. All i could hear was how scared Canadians are about auto line shutdowns and how all this will cost them.   THEM...not us. 

We could guve a rats ass about canadian products.  Our car lots are full.  I was just at sams club and there isnt anything from Canada i need to survive.  Oh and a friend keeps chickens so my egg supply is...nearly free.  So as Ricky would say... fuck off

BH_84 wrote:

The tangerine tyrant just rolled back the auto industry tariffs lmfao. Guess we’ll be fine there. Did you get some fresh veggies? Likely grown with Canadian...

The tangerine tyrant just rolled back the auto industry tariffs lmfao. Guess we’ll be fine there. Did you get some fresh veggies? Likely grown with Canadian potash. Eat up! They’re good for you! 

And please, if you’re going to quote TPB, do it right. Since you, not us, started this little trade war, you can make like a tree and fuck off

ns503 wrote:

Trump is a fucking clown show.

ns503 wrote:

Trump is a fucking clown show.

seth505 wrote:

STVMCQN wrote:

We’ve got our own potash. Guess we’re depleting your resources, before our own.

MotoTribology wrote:

Pretty sure Canada accounts for like 72% of our potash consumption. The US doesn't really produce much and certainly not enough to maintain our domestic supply/demand.

STVMCQN wrote:

The US has potash reserves of 220 million metric tons. 

 

 

FastEddy wrote:

Trudeau menstruating live on the air. 

NEW: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau starts crying in front of reporters.

Pathetic.

"I've made sure that every single day in this office, I put Canadians first, that I have people's backs."

"And that's why I'm here to tell you all that we got you. Even in the very last… pic.twitter.com/3v2pUrt4EN

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 6, 2025

Last2Stroke wrote:

Fantasy picks are going to be difficult this week!

MXMattii wrote:

And how are the reserves on the beef & pork meat? Eggs? Vegetables?

Last2Stroke wrote:

Fantasy picks are going to be difficult this week!

FastEddy wrote:

Yeah with the shootout. Might want to toy around and pick more out of the the big bike class.  That's one strategy - possibly to stay...

Yeah with the shootout. Might want to toy around and pick more out of the the big bike class.  That's one strategy - possibly to stay consistent . 

Good luck - hope you keep moving up through the pack,you've done good the past couple weeks or so.

I will wait until after qualifying on Saturday to pick. 

Titan1 wrote:

America stops being the word bank, push over, police, and punching bag...and all the people who have benefited from our reckless spending, free world police, and...

America stops being the word bank, push over, police, and punching bag...and all the people who have benefited from our reckless spending, free world police, and unfair (to us) trade agreements for decades are now suddenly America haters and are all butt hurt over it (Canadians, the Europeans, for example)...

Sorry folks, time to man up and take care of yourselves...

The America hate I'm seeing from our "allies" proves they were never allies...just phonies who only wanted our money and our military and to give nothing in return...If America takes its ball (our money and our military) and goes home, we might feel a little pain in the short term...but you will all be FAR worse off-short AND long term-than we will.   Have fun rebuilding after every natural disaster without our aid, have fun defending yourselves against China/Russia/N. Korea/Iran/Etc. Etc. without our military.  Ungrateful little beggars... 

Titan1 wrote:

America stops being the word bank, push over, police, and punching bag...and all the people who have benefited from our reckless spending, free world police, and...

America stops being the word bank, push over, police, and punching bag...and all the people who have benefited from our reckless spending, free world police, and unfair (to us) trade agreements for decades are now suddenly America haters and are all butt hurt over it (Canadians, the Europeans, for example)...

Sorry folks, time to man up and take care of yourselves...

The America hate I'm seeing from our "allies" proves they were never allies...just phonies who only wanted our money and our military and to give nothing in return...If America takes its ball (our money and our military) and goes home, we might feel a little pain in the short term...but you will all be FAR worse off-short AND long term-than we will.   Have fun rebuilding after every natural disaster without our aid, have fun defending yourselves against China/Russia/N. Korea/Iran/Etc. Etc. without our military.  Ungrateful little beggars... 

Titan1 wrote:

America stops being the word bank, push over, police, and punching bag...and all the people who have benefited from our reckless spending, free world police, and...

America stops being the word bank, push over, police, and punching bag...and all the people who have benefited from our reckless spending, free world police, and unfair (to us) trade agreements for decades are now suddenly America haters and are all butt hurt over it (Canadians, the Europeans, for example)...

Sorry folks, time to man up and take care of yourselves...

The America hate I'm seeing from our "allies" proves they were never allies...just phonies who only wanted our money and our military and to give nothing in return...If America takes its ball (our money and our military) and goes home, we might feel a little pain in the short term...but you will all be FAR worse off-short AND long term-than we will.   Have fun rebuilding after every natural disaster without our aid, have fun defending yourselves against China/Russia/N. Korea/Iran/Etc. Etc. without our military.  Ungrateful little beggars... 

Titan1 wrote:

America stops being the word bank, push over, police, and punching bag...and all the people who have benefited from our reckless spending, free world police, and...

America stops being the word bank, push over, police, and punching bag...and all the people who have benefited from our reckless spending, free world police, and unfair (to us) trade agreements for decades are now suddenly America haters and are all butt hurt over it (Canadians, the Europeans, for example)...

Sorry folks, time to man up and take care of yourselves...

The America hate I'm seeing from our "allies" proves they were never allies...just phonies who only wanted our money and our military and to give nothing in return...If America takes its ball (our money and our military) and goes home, we might feel a little pain in the short term...but you will all be FAR worse off-short AND long term-than we will.   Have fun rebuilding after every natural disaster without our aid, have fun defending yourselves against China/Russia/N. Korea/Iran/Etc. Etc. without our military.  Ungrateful little beggars... 

BH_84 wrote:

Canadian Water bombers over LA during the firesCanadian linemen in North Carolina after HeleneCanadian Troops responding to article 5 Canadian airports and towns taking in American flights...

Canadian Water bombers over LA during the fires

Canadian linemen in North Carolina after Helene

Canadian Troops responding to article 5 

Canadian airports and towns taking in American flights on and after 9/11

Canadian soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy alongside the US and the Brits on D-Day. 

Any of this ringing a bell? You wanna know why Canadians are pissed? Because we’ve helped you in your times of need. We’ve been there as a neighbor, friend and ally and now your country and your president have turned on us. You stabbed us in the back, not the other way around. 

 

Titan1 wrote:

America stops being the word bank, push over, police, and punching bag...and all the people who have benefited from our reckless spending, free world police, and...

America stops being the word bank, push over, police, and punching bag...and all the people who have benefited from our reckless spending, free world police, and unfair (to us) trade agreements for decades are now suddenly America haters and are all butt hurt over it (Canadians, the Europeans, for example)...

Sorry folks, time to man up and take care of yourselves...

The America hate I'm seeing from our "allies" proves they were never allies...just phonies who only wanted our money and our military and to give nothing in return...If America takes its ball (our money and our military) and goes home, we might feel a little pain in the short term...but you will all be FAR worse off-short AND long term-than we will.   Have fun rebuilding after every natural disaster without our aid, have fun defending yourselves against China/Russia/N. Korea/Iran/Etc. Etc. without our military.  Ungrateful little beggars... 

BH_84 wrote:

Canadian Water bombers over LA during the firesCanadian linemen in North Carolina after HeleneCanadian Troops responding to article 5 Canadian airports and towns taking in American flights...

Canadian Water bombers over LA during the fires

Canadian linemen in North Carolina after Helene

Canadian Troops responding to article 5 

Canadian airports and towns taking in American flights on and after 9/11

Canadian soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy alongside the US and the Brits on D-Day. 

Any of this ringing a bell? You wanna know why Canadians are pissed? Because we’ve helped you in your times of need. We’ve been there as a neighbor, friend and ally and now your country and your president have turned on us. You stabbed us in the back, not the other way around. 

 

inflammable wrote:

You do realize you are at a banquet with wonderful food that someone else paid for, but you are bragging about your little green bean casserole...

You do realize you are at a banquet with wonderful food that someone else paid for, but you are bragging about your little green bean casserole, right?