New Michigan Senator signals willingness to discuss trade with Trump

El-Sayed, a Democrat, made the statement during a Thursday interview on MS NOW’s Morning Joe, following his recent victory over Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s midterm elections. He indicated a desire to address issues, specifically the tariffs imposed on Canada, if the former president is open to discussion.

The economies of Michigan and Canada are closely linked, particularly within the automotive industry. Over half of the components used in vehicles assembled in Canada originate in the United States.

In 2025, Michigan imported over C$20 billion worth of automobiles and trucks from Canada, while exporting C$10 billion.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has implemented 25 per cent tariffs on auto imports from Canada, with exemptions based on compliance with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Canada responded with a matching 25 per cent tariff.

In August, Trump indicated plans to increase tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles and auto parts to 50 per cent, a measure slated to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Agricultural imports to Canada from Michigan declined by 12.3 per cent between 2024 and 2025, resulting in a US$145 million shortfall, according to the Michigan Agriculture and Rural Development Department. Michigan is Canada’s largest agricultural trading partner.

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently suggested that trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. have been intensifying. He emphasized Canada’s role as a “great partner” to the U.S. and a “confident country moving forward.”

Windsor, Ontario’s Mayor Drew Dilkens expressed optimism that a change in Congress could ease trade tensions. The city, a major automotive manufacturing hub bordering Detroit, has been directly impacted by the trade war.

Dilkens warned that the threatened 50 per cent tariffs scheduled for January 1, 2027, would be “catastrophic.”

The Stellantis plant in Windsor has suspended production for four weeks, attributing the downtime to fluctuating market conditions, consumer demand, and tariffs. Production remains halted into next week.