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Six state governors from northeastern United States plan to invite their Canadian counterparts to join a meeting to discuss the impact of President Trump's tariffs, according to a press release by the government of the Massachusetts on Monday, as the tariffs could significantly affect business and employment ties between the states and their major trade partner.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, along with governors from Maine, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont, extended the invitation to the leaders of six Canadian provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Québec, the press release stated.

A formal invitation signed by the six US governors stated that businesses small and large that employ citizens in the US and Canada are already facing severe consequences from the trade war, as the tariffs make life increasingly expensive for people and businesses on both sides.

Canada is Massachusetts' largest trading partner, but Trump's tariffs are undermining their partnership, making it harder for businesses to keep their doors open, said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey in the press release. Earlier this month, she convened local business leaders to discuss the impacts of the tariffs and then launch a new initiative to support impacted businesses, especially manufacturers.

Maine has over $6 billion cross-border commerce amount in 2024, said Maine Governor Janet Mills, while criticizing Trump's tariff policy is "haphazard." New York Governor Kathy Hochul said Trump's tariffs are "devastating to the small businesses, family farms, and local manufacturers."

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont stated that raising tariffs between the US and Canada will undermine the business ties, increase costs, and put American jobs at stake. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee emphasized the need to address challenges posed by the tariffs and protect industries reliant on stable US-Canada partnerships. Vermont Governor Phil Scott said that increasing tariffs on Canada is not in the best interest of the state.

Donald Trump on February 1, local time, signed an executive order to impose a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, with a 10 percent tariff increase specifically for Canadian energy products. On February 3, Trump announced that the additional tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada would be deferred for one month to March 4, according to Xinhua News Agency.

In addition, Canadian imported steel products are included in US' 25 percent tariff hike on steel and aluminum imports from all countries announced on February 11 by the US government. Canadian cars and auto parts are also subject to the same 25 percent tariff.

Global Times