BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)......The fall out from President Trump's escalating trade war with Canadian is impacting traditional and high tech manufacturing operations across the Western New York region - and elsewhere across the country.
The issue, officials say, isn't political. it is about economics.
"There is a trickle down effect in what is a needless trade war," said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.
Poloncarz was one of several speakers at the Northland Workforce Training Center on Buffalo's East Side that spoke at an event organized by Congressman Tim Kennedy.
Trade restrictions and rising tariffs on Canadian-made goods - all imposed by President Trump - are stalling expansion plans by some companies, while others are laying off workers because of the increased costs.
Canada, in return, has raised its tariffs on U.S,-made products and, now the country is considering the EU - a move that may shift some of its manufactured products to Europe and Asia and away from North America
"Stability and predictability is what manufacturers want and we are not getting that now," said Steve Vanaskie, Welded Tube USA Inc. plant manager.
Welded Tube, based in Toronto, but with a plant in Lackawanna has already laid off 25 workers because of the Canadian trade war.
"Corporations that we talked to are in neutral because they don't know whether to expand or contract," said Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan.
Kennedy said the impact is very real.
"It is ruining the job creation that we rely on," Kennedy said.
New York manufacturers exported more than $482 million in aluminum and aluminum articles to Canada last year along with $254 million in iron and steel products.
Canada, in return, sent $1,1 billion in aluminum and $586 in copper and copper articles to New York state manufacturers.
Trump's imposed tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper products can exceed 50%, depending on how they are classified.
Canada, on Sept. 8, increased its tariffs on a wide range of products.
"Ultimately the consumers end up paying the price," Kennedy said.
Rep. Kennedy, others call on Trump to send his Canadian trade war
Rep. Kennedy, others call on Trump to send his Canadian trade war
