US-Canada Trade Talks Stall as Tariffs Loom Over Michigan Economy

Michigan Republican Congressman John James has called on US and Canadian negotiators to conclude a trade agreement, warning that tariffs could harm Michigan's economy.

In an interview with Face the Nation, James urged negotiators to avoid tariff measures that could affect Michigan's automotive industry, which has already lost over 300,000 manufacturing jobs since the 1990s. He described himself as a supplier to the industry and stressed the importance of Michigan's partnership with Canada.

The Canadian prime minister plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs from September 8 in response to US tariffs, while President Donald Trump intends to impose 50% duties on cars, trucks, auto parts, and steel from Canada from January 1. James said his team is already in contact with representatives of the trade team to avoid introducing such measures.

He called for a fair, mutually beneficial, and reciprocal agreement between the two countries, saying that tariffs are not an end in themselves but rather a means to protect jobs in Michigan and preserve relations with Canada. James also accused the Canadian prime minister of targeting politically sensitive states with his actions.