Trade_Talk

 Like everyone else, trying to process this apparently punitive hit of 35% tariffs from 

the US and what this means. Coming into force today, with no going back.

To my mind, tariffs are a language; a way for countries to direct and redirect

international trade as their internal priorities and possibilities shift. 

The notion that Canada is being hit for not responding to the fentanyl is both false 

and ridiculous. We have responded, and our share of fentanyl entering the US is ridiculously 

low. Can and should the US be using trade on such matters in the first place is also

questionable, a point US lawyers are making... And the fact we are joining European countries in 

recognizing a Palestinian State could 'make things harder' is doubtful: Palestine is being 

presented conditions for continued operations. Neither here nor there. And the US would have 

to agree for Palestine to eventually join the UN.

Where the US does have a trade concern seems to be with Canadian dairy. So here's

the thing. Just as Northern US farmers balk at not having access to Canadian markets

for their dairy, Quebec farmers are operationg at the highest latitude where dairy farming

is possible and need to have markets for their production. That 200% tariff that kicks

in after a certain point is not an excessive and predatory tariff, it is a NO in tariff language.

We want our farmers to remain in business; local milk is a fine thing!!

We also understand tariff language from other countries: if a developing countries is trying

for a home auto industry, they may want tariffs on the competition for a time. Fine, your

call! But here's the thing: it makes sense and government can integrate this element as it

advises business. 

And thus we have the disconcerting aspect of the whole US tariff re-set. What is going on. Does

is make any kind of sense that the US could be going forward and back at the same time,

forging ahead with AI and  Internet culture, but going back to earlier forms of manufacturing

and resource extraction?? On all fronts??

Final point: why make inernet-based trade more difficult. Is it unreasonable for a female

shopper to order a sweater from China from a shipping perspective. There me be new

ecological policies to stop unnecessary goods movements, but I haven't heard anything about

it. Talk trade to me...

                                                               *     *     *

There's more to cheese than cheddar!!

Copilot:

Tell me about the cheese industry in Quebec; how much is produced, and what is it worth?

Quebec is the undisputed cheese powerhouse of Canada, and its industry is both prolific and economically significant. Here's a breakdown of its scale and value:

🧀 Cheese Production in Quebec

Share of National Output: Quebec produces 50% of all cheese in Canada, making it the leading province by far.

Specialty Cheese Focus: The province has seen a major shift toward specialty cheeses (like mozzarella and artisanal varieties), which now make up 58% of total cheese consumption per person, up from 31% in 1981.

Per Capita Consumption: Quebecers consumed 8.65 kg of specialty cheese per person in 2022, nearly triple the amount from 1981.

💰 Economic Value of the Cheese Industry

Dairy Sector Contribution: Quebec’s dairy sector—including cheese—contributes over $7 billion annually to the province’s economy through sales by farmers and processors.

National Context: Canada’s overall dairy sector contributes $24 billion, with Quebec being the largest provincial contributor.

Employment: Regions like Quebec-Lévis, which specialize in butter and cheese production, employ over 1,000 people in dairy processing alone.

🐄 Efficiency & Innovation

Despite a 50% drop in dairy cow numbers since 1981, Quebec has increased milk production by 21%, thanks to improved efficiency.

Investments in automation and ripening technology—like those at Fromagerie La Station—are helping producers meet rising demand for high-quality cheeses.

Would you like a spotlight on some of Quebec’s most famous cheese producers or award-winning varieties? I can also dive into export trends or how Quebec compares globally

                                                       *     *     *

The song itself is on the list of worse songs of all time; but run it with Indochine and

it's great: