For example, the decision of most provinces to remove U.S. wine, beer and spirits from store shelves is a major irritant south of the border. A California senator recently pleaded with Canadians to reconsider and a New York state representative threatened retaliation over the bans. Why would Canadians reverse such a tactic without getting something real in return? And something real has to mean more than just a rollback to the tariff policy of last week. Similarly, giving up Canadian tariffs on U.S. vehicles – imposed in response to American tariffs on our own exports – in return for nothing would be surrender, not negotiation
If only america had some serious negotiators who understand the concept of give and take. You can’t just say the words “I’m a great negotiator”, there has to be some substance beneath it all.
Vehicles are much more complicated than alcohol, though. There are assembly plants and parts suppliers on both sides of the border, and there is a transfer back and forth about six times in the production of a single vehicle. There is no way that Canada could simply ban American vehicles without jeopardizing our parts manufacturers as well.
I’m ready to cut of my nose…