Updated
Updated · WEYI · Sep 1
Benson Blasts Trump’s Canada Tariffs in Flint, Says 1 Top Export Market Is at Risk
Updated
Updated · WEYI · Sep 1

Benson Blasts Trump’s Canada Tariffs in Flint, Says 1 Top Export Market Is at Risk

1 articles · Updated · WEYI · Sep 1

Summary

  • Flint small business owners told Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson that recent tariff decisions are hurting local companies, prompting her to make tariffs a campaign issue during a city stop.
  • Benson targeted President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, branding them a “John James tax” and arguing her Republican rival’s support for the policy puts Michigan workers and small businesses at risk.
  • Canada is Michigan’s largest export market, according to U.S. trade representative data, and Benson said a prolonged trade fight could stunt the state’s economic growth.
  • John James’ campaign fired back by casting Benson as a failed politician, saying Michigan ranks 46th nationally and has lost more than 300,000 manufacturing jobs.

Insights

Could shifting billions from large corporate subsidies to local businesses truly rescue a tariff-strained economy?
How might proposed state-level agreements with Canada bypass federal tariffs to save local small businesses?