The difference may be that Europe is doing it because trust in U.S. predictability has taken a hit, while Canada under Carney seems focused on resilience...
building more at home, diversifying trade, and making sure we’re not overly dependent on any one country.
Feels like a bit of a global trend right now: countries quietly trying to regain more control over their own economic destiny.
SCOTUS ruled them illegal and then the International Trade Court ruled his “new” tariffs illegal so I don’t understand how he can keep threatening them. Clearly he isn’t one to follow the law. I really appreciate your articles!
I believe most countries around the world agreed to invest in the US over the next 3 years to get tariff relief. But who will be checking if that investment has happened? And I don’t think the governments of those countries agreed to invest taxpayer money. How does a government force businesses in their countries to invest their money? Am I missing something?
You’re not missing anything, Joanna. That crossed my mind too.
My understanding is those big numbers are often more “investment commitments” or targets than governments literally writing giant taxpayer cheques.
A government can encourage investment with incentives, policy, procurement rules, tax breaks, or trade access…
but they can’t usually force private companies to spend their money.
And yes... the enforcement question is a fair one.
A lot of these international deals end up being a mix of political pressure, reporting, and “good faith” expectations rather than someone standing there with a clipboard 😄
It seems this is the same path that prime minister Carney is taking Canada “built for Canadians by Canadians”.
I think there’s some truth to that, Steve.
The difference may be that Europe is doing it because trust in U.S. predictability has taken a hit, while Canada under Carney seems focused on resilience...
building more at home, diversifying trade, and making sure we’re not overly dependent on any one country.
Feels like a bit of a global trend right now: countries quietly trying to regain more control over their own economic destiny.
I am so confused about the tariffs - the courts keeps telling him they are illegal but the threats and penalties continue?
From what I understand, courts challenged some of it, but the threats keep going through appeals and different legal routes.
I’m no expert 😄... just trying to follow the moving pieces like everyone else.
SCOTUS ruled them illegal and then the International Trade Court ruled his “new” tariffs illegal so I don’t understand how he can keep threatening them. Clearly he isn’t one to follow the law. I really appreciate your articles!
That’s my understanding too, Eliza...
the courts have pushed back more than once, yet the threats keep coming through different legal arguments and pressure tactics.
It’s definitely confusing to follow.
And thank you ❤️
I appreciate you reading.
I’m just trying to connect the dots in plain English as I learn alongside everyone else.
They will all have to be paid back, same as all the very high tariffs.
I believe most countries around the world agreed to invest in the US over the next 3 years to get tariff relief. But who will be checking if that investment has happened? And I don’t think the governments of those countries agreed to invest taxpayer money. How does a government force businesses in their countries to invest their money? Am I missing something?
You’re not missing anything, Joanna. That crossed my mind too.
My understanding is those big numbers are often more “investment commitments” or targets than governments literally writing giant taxpayer cheques.
A government can encourage investment with incentives, policy, procurement rules, tax breaks, or trade access…
but they can’t usually force private companies to spend their money.
And yes... the enforcement question is a fair one.
A lot of these international deals end up being a mix of political pressure, reporting, and “good faith” expectations rather than someone standing there with a clipboard 😄
Younger brother in Europe follows older brother in Canada & backs away slowly :) Smart move methinks! Thanks Fred!
Haha… that’s one way to look at it, Patsy 😄
Feels a bit like countries are looking around the room and quietly saying...
“Might be smart if we can stand on our own two feet a little more.”
Interesting times to be watching the chessboard. Thanks Patsy ❤️