b'BORDER DISPUTEWhere is the trade war roller coaster headed, and how soon can we all get off?SARAH B. HOODI f the U.S.-Canada trade war has leftThe catalogue of goods subjected tosome measures expected earlier have been you feeling a little punch-drunk, or exempted fromtariffs has alsopushed back to August 1, and a brand-youre not alone. Even the experts arebeen in flux: energy resources, steel,new 35-per-cent tariff on goods previously reeling from a series of announcementsaluminum, automobiles, auto parts andset at 25 per cent has justfrom U.S. President Donald Trumpsgoods that comply with the previouslybeen announced.Republican administration and responsesexisting Canada-U.S.-Mexico AgreementCanada-U.S. Relationshipfrom two different Canadian prime(CUSMA). An additional complication isWe all knew as we headed into 2025 that ministers. But what does it all mean fortariff stackingthe overlapping of tariffsit would be a matter of some complexity, the Canadian construction industry inand retaliatory counter-tariffs on tophow the relationship between the two general, and for mechanical contracting of one another as they cross the bordercountries would evolve, says MCAC in particular? in various stages of the manufacturingCOO Ken Lancastle. As weve seen in the First, a quick recap: Donald Trumpprocess. Manufacturers, retailers, theirfirst six months, its been an upsetting of was sworn in on January 20, 2025, andcustomers and even border officials havethe bilateral agreements between theimmediately began to move his Americabeen hard-pressed to keep up with thetwo countries.First Trade Policy forward. Since thatquickly evolving situation. Donald Trump has proven that his time, his administration has introducedTariffs originally expected to take effectstrategy so far is to put his opponents off tariffs of 10 per cent, 25 per cent andon February 4 were delayed until Marchbalance throughout the negotiations. He 50 per cent on Canadian goods crossing4. Other tariffs (and a few exemptions)doesnt want anybody approaching him the border, as well as on goods fromtook effect on March 7, March 12, Aprilwith any degree of strength, comfort, numerous other countries. 2, April 5 and June 4. At time of writing,confidence or knowledge where he does 20 www.mcac.ca'