Trump defends tariffs as Canada prepares retaliatory tax hike

President Donald Trump has defended his tariff policies during a visit to Michigan, a state hit hard by trade disputes, as Canada prepares to impose new retaliatory taxes on US goods. Speaking to workers in an area reliant on manufacturing, Trump argued that tariffs are necessary to protect American industries and jobs from unfair foreign competition. The visit comes amid escalating trade tensions between the US and Canada, with Ottawa planning to levy taxes on a range of American products starting next week. The tariffs, which target steel and aluminum imports, have drawn criticism from business groups who warn of higher costs and supply chain disruptions. However, Trump insisted the measures would ultimately strengthen the US economy and lead to better trade deals. Michigan, a key political battleground, has seen mixed effects: some factories have reopened due to tariff protections, while others face higher input costs and reduced exports. The looming Canadian tax hike threatens to compound these challenges, particularly for the state's automotive sector, which relies on cross-border supply chains. Analysts say the trade dispute could escalate further if talks fail to produce a compromise. The White House has signaled it is open to negotiations, but insists on maintaining tariffs as leverage. For now, workers and businesses in Michigan are left to navigate an uncertain landscape.