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U.S. Mayors Call for Trade Protection with Canada and Mexico

In a move reflecting growing concerns about impending tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) has taken a strong stand. On March 3, 2025, the Executive Committee of the USCM adopted an emergency resolution urging the federal government to protect trade relations with these two vital partners. The concerns are not merely political; they are deeply rooted in the economic implications of such tariffs, which may have far-reaching consequences for American consumers and businesses alike.

The Resolution's Key Points

The resolution put forth by mayors around the country outlines several critical points:

• - Significant Trade Volume: Canada and Mexico are the United States’ two largest trading partners, with transactions totaling $1.6 trillion in 2024. Of this, trade with Canada was approximately $762.1 billion, bolstering around 8 million U.S. jobs and promoting economic expansion across various localities.
• - Potential Economic Harm: The resolution warns that increasing tariffs could disrupt established supply chains, subsequently leading to higher operational expenses for American businesses. This would likely translate into increased prices for consumers, hitting their wallets while pulling back economic growth.
• - Impact on Key Industries: Several sectors, notably manufacturing, agriculture, and automotive industries, heavily depend on cross-border trade. Tariffs are predicted to disproportionately affect these industries, threatening jobs and wages within these sectors, as they strive to maintain competitiveness in a global market.
• - Inflation and Cost of Living: The USCM highlights that the burden of these tariffs would not fall solely on producers but would also ripple out to consumers, especially in urban areas where municipal costs—such as infrastructure maintenance and energy use—are predicted to escalate.

The Call to Action

U.S. mayors, led by President Andrew Ginther of Columbus, Ohio, are urging a reversal of the proposed tariffs. Ginther expressed that the prosperity of American cities greatly relies on a robust trade relationship with neighboring countries. This sentiment is rooted in the belief that maintaining favorable trade agreements enhances job creation, fosters economic opportunities, and strengthens diplomatic relations.

Ginther emphasized, “American cities and our residents benefit from a healthy trade relationship with Canada and Mexico. The economic relationship with our allies has created millions of American jobs and provided economic opportunity for our businesses.” By potentially instituting tariffs, the federal government risks stalling this growth and exacerbating the financial pressures faced by many citizens.

The Bigger Picture

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is clear about the intentions behind the resolution: they aim to bolster support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This agreement has already made strides in stabilizing trade between these nations, lowering barriers, and enriching opportunities for businesses of various sizes. As the mayors assert, the implementation of proactive measures is essential for sustaining economic vigor and ensuring that all parties benefit from a fair trading environment.

As the U.S. government weighs its options, the voice of these mayors—representing cities of all sizes—is crucial. Their resolution aims not only to guide the federal stance on tariffs but also to preserve the very fabric of economic interdependence that binds the continent together. The call to action is clear: promote and protect trade with Canada and Mexico to ensure the prosperity of American cities and their residents in an increasingly interconnected world.