A Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan has called for an end to the tariff dispute between the United States and Canada, citing the economic toll on his state’s trade-dependent economy.
Mike Rogers, who is running against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, said in a social media ad that “Canada is not our enemy” and urged that the “tariff war” end immediately. The ad featured Rogers drinking a Labatt, a Canadian-made beer, while watching the Detroit Red Wings. Rogers did not name President Trump in the ad, though the dispute stems from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. He had previously defended the tariffs as “necessary,” telling USA Today last month that they were not a “one-size-fits-all solution.”
The trade war between the U.S. and Canada has escalated since August, when President Trump imposed 50 percent levies on $27.6 billion worth of Canadian goods. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded in early September by matching the tariffs “dollar for dollar.” Trump has also threatened 50 percent tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, auto parts and steel starting January 1.
Michigan’s Deep Trade Ties to Canada
According to data from the Canadian government, Michigan businesses import $43.5 billion worth of goods from Canada annually, with cars, trucks and motor vehicle parts making up roughly 48 percent of that total. Those same categories are also Michigan’s top exports to Canada, accounting for $10.2 billion of the $21.2 billion in goods the state sends north each year. The threatened tariffs on autos and auto parts, along with any Canadian retaliation, would hit Michigan’s economy particularly hard given this reliance on cross-border vehicle manufacturing.
Other Republicans Voicing Concerns
Rogers is not alone among Republicans in questioning the trade dispute. Rep. John James, who is running for Michigan governor, said he has urged U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to resume negotiations with Canadian officials. During a debate against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, James said, “We must get back to the table, stop acting like children and negotiate a reciprocal, fair and mutually beneficial arrangement.” Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, whose state also borders Canada, has likewise publicly opposed the trade war.
On the Democratic side, El-Sayed has criticized the trade war for “making things more expensive,” pointing to inflation that remains above 3 percent. In his new ad, Rogers also criticized El-Sayed’s tax proposals, which include raising taxes on capital gains and on wealth held in trusts, while exempting individuals earning up to $50,000 from federal taxes.
The White House has not yet responded to a request for comment on Rogers’ remarks.
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