I started my own "Artificial Intelligence" computer to help me write an A.I. version of my book... "Being Human" ...and it went quite well! (Coming Soon!)
The computer is named SAL-9000 ...and it is the sister machine to the famous "HAL-9000" from the book and movie... 2001, A Space Odyssey!
Anyway... After finishing the book... I decided to ask SAL what we could do about Drumpf and his stupid TARIFFS!!!!!!
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Sal if Trump imposes a 25% tariff on trade items... what would be the most effective counter tariffs for Canada to apply!
SAL said:
If Donald Trump or any U.S. administration were to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian trade items, Canada's most effective counter-tariffs would depend on strategic targeting.
The goal of counter-tariffs would be to maximize political and economic leverage while minimizing harm to Canadian consumers and businesses.
Here are some options:
1. Target Key U.S. Industries
- Agriculture: Imposing tariffs on products like U.S.-grown corn, soybeans, beef, and pork. These sectors are politically sensitive and concentrated in states that are key to U.S. electoral outcomes.
- Dairy Products: The U.S. dairy industry is a significant exporter to Canada. Tariffs on cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products would create pressure in farming communities.
- Processed Foods: Tariffs on items such as ketchup (produced by Heinz in Pennsylvania) and orange juice (from Florida) would hit industries that are both economically and politically significant!
2. Focus on Strategic Regions
- Target exports from politically influential swing states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Florida, as tariffs on products from these regions could create domestic U.S. pressure!
- FOR EXAMPLE:
- Wisconsin dairy
- Michigan automotive parts.
- Pennsylvania steel or aluminum products.
3. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
- Retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum exports would hit industries that are already sensitive to global competition. This mirrors U.S. strategies in past trade disputes.
4. Energy Products
- Imposing tariffs on U.S. oil, natural gas, or coal exports to Canada could be highly impactful, given the energy trade between the two nations.
5. Luxury and Consumer Goods
- Items like U.S.-made alcohol (bourbon from Kentucky), high-end electronics, and clothing could be tariffed to both generate revenue and apply pressure to consumer-focused industries.
6. Leverage Canadian Strengths
- Rare Earths and Minerals: Canada could impose restrictions or tariffs on critical minerals or other resources essential for U.S. technology and defense industries.
- Technology Products: Canada could consider tariffs or export controls on software or tech products tied to U.S. companies.
Considerations for Implementation:
- Minimizing Domestic Impact: Focus on goods with viable Canadian alternatives or where substitutes can be imported from other countries.
- WTO Compliance: Ensure any tariffs are framed as a response to safeguard Canadian industries under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
- Public Messaging: Emphasize the proportionality and necessity of the response to garner both domestic and international support.
These targeted measures could help Canada respond effectively while maintaining leverage in negotiations.
SAL
