Shaheen Condemns President Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs on Canada and Mexico that Will Raise Costs for Americans and Businesses

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement in response to President Trump imposing sweeping 25 percent tariffs on imported goods from Canada and Mexico, which economists have warned could stoke further inflation, slow economic growth and raise prices on consumers: 

“Putting far-reaching tariffs on our neighbors and close trading partners is going to spike costs for our families, businesses and workers. It’s a fact that hardworking American consumers and small businesses will be forced to foot the bill of the President’s price hikes, not foreign countries. 

“Because of this misguided, politically motivated action, the cost of everything from cars and gas to housing and groceries will increase—and Americans struggling to make ends meet will be hit the hardest. While that might not matter to Donald Trump and his entourage of billionaires, it matters deeply to the people in my state. 

“As always, I stand ready to work with anyone to make life more affordable. It’s a shame that the President has chosen to play politics instead of delivering for the families we serve.” 

Yesterday, Shaheen led the New Hampshire Congressional delegation in urging the President not to place sweeping tariffs on imports, especially from our Canadian and Mexican neighbors, citing how it would dramatically increase costs for families and small businesses across the Granite State.  

Earlier this year, Shaheen introduced new legislation with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) to shield American businesses and consumers from rising prices imposed by tariffs on imported goods into the United States. The Senators’ legislation would keep costs down for imported goods by limiting the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—which allows a President to immediately place unlimited tariffs after declaring a national emergency—while preserving IEEPA’s use for sanctions and other tools.   

After the November election, a multitude of business leaders warned that if the President placed sweeping tariffs as promised, they’d be forced to raise prices on consumers. The CEO of Best Buy said, “the vast majority of that tariff will probably be passed on to the consumer as a price increase.” The CFO of Walmart said, “there will probably be cases where prices will go up for consumers.” The CEO of Columbia Sportswear said, “we’re set to raise prices” and “it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep products affordable.” The CEO of AutoZone said, “if we get tariffs, we will pass those tariff costs back to the consumer.” The President of Texas-based Lipow Oil Associates said, “The prices at the pump are going to go up.” 

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