An ominous deadline is looming for businesses, as the United States is threatening to place a 50 per cent tariff on billions of dollars worth of products on Wednesday. This comes as the two countries try to hammer out a trade deal. Manitoba has removed U.S. alcohol from store shelves in response to previous tariffs, and Premier Wab Kinew says if there is no trade deal — or if the deal that emerges is a bad one for Manitoba — he won’t allow the alcohol back. Kinew says Manitoba could consider further countermeasures if the new tariffs take effect. “I don’t think it’s good for our economy,” said Kinew. “I don’t think it’s good for our pride in Canada if we just let Donald Trump act up.” Alan Arcand with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters says Manitoba will be hit hard, like other provinces, if the new duties go into effect. “It’s a very nerve raking day for sure,” said Arcand. Arcand says half of manufacturers surveyed expect the impact to be significant and severe, potentially leading to job losses, reduced hours, production cuts or delays in new investment. “The fact that the tariffs would be 50 per cent it’s a very high rate would make a good chunk of those goods uncompetitive in the US,” said Arcand. “It would be a pretty significant hit for those companies.” Those goods include hockey equipment, plywood, alcohol, cement and honey.
