Legault worries Trump’s 25% tariff could pose ‘enormous risk’ for Quebec

Quebec Premier François Legault worries that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of a 25 per cent tariff on all imports would pose an “enormous risk” to the Quebec and Canadian economies.

In a post on social media platform X, Premier Legault also said that Canada needed to do everything possible to avoid that from happening. 

“The integrity of the Canadian border must be the federal government’s top priority,” he continued, before offering the Quebec government’s complete collaboration to the Trudeau administration.

A Quebec manufacturers’ organization, the Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ), says it is “extremely concerned” by Trump’s proposal, calling the United States the top export market for Quebec.

“If these tariffs come to fruition, it will send a real shockwave through our economy,” said interim MEQ spokesperson and vice-president of public affairs Julie White. “The federal government and the Quebec government share our concerns and are taking action through diplomatic and economic networks to avoid this situation.

“Although this may be a negotiation strategy on the American side, if Donald Trump really goes ahead, a prompt and rapid response from governments will be needed to financially support our manufacturers. The economic vitality and jobs in our regions are at stake.”

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that upon becoming president he would sign an executive order into law on his first day in office on Jan. 20, to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico. Trump cited concerns with illegal immigration and illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, seeping into the U.S. border.

“This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” Trump wrote.

Trump continued, “we hereby demand that they [Canada and Mexico] use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”

In reaction to Trump’s statement, the Canadian dollar, and the Mexican peso experienced minor declines during the night.

During his first term, Trump had also threatened to increase tariffs, but following trade agreements, he ultimately did not do so.

Such an import fee would affect our economy, driving up costs for Canadian and Mexican goods in their most critical market.

Given that there’s no real comparison in terms of issues between the northern and southern borders, some political analysts are speculating that this could be more a negotiating ploy than an actual plan. However, Trump has imposed tariffs in the past.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also expressed concerns, saying on social media that a 25 per cent tariff would be “devastating to workers and jobs” in both Canada and the U.S.

Canada’s top export to the United States is oil, while some of the top products Quebec exports to the U.S. are metals, aircraft, and mineral fuels.