Tit-for-tat 🇺🇸 — Trump gears up for tariff war. The B.C. startup fighting diabetes with 3D printers
Jan 9, 2025
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Randall Bartlett, Senior Director of Canadian Economics at Desjardins, offers sharp insights on the looming economic challenges posed by Trump’s potential tariffs on Canada. The conversation dives into the implications for U.S.-Canada relations and touches on interest rate shifts in Canada. Also thrillingly explored is Aspect Biosystems, a B.C. startup innovating diabetes treatment with 3D printing technology, which could revolutionize how the disease is managed, moving beyond traditional insulin injections.
Donald Trump's potential return to the White House raises fears of a trade war with Canada, significantly impacting economic stability for both countries.
A B.C. startup, Aspect Biosystems, is pioneering diabetes treatment through 3D printing technology, potentially revolutionizing care for patients with innovative implants.
Deep dives
Impact of Trump Tariffs on Canadian Economy
The potential return of Donald Trump to the White House raises concerns about an impending trade war, particularly involving tariffs on Canadian goods. Trump's consideration of a 25% blanket tariff could trigger a corresponding economic downturn in Canada, with projections indicating a possible recession by mid-2025 if such tariffs are enacted. Scotiabank forecasts suggest that retaliatory measures from Canada could severely contract the economy, with estimations of up to a 5.6% shrinkage. This situation highlights the interconnectedness of U.S.-Canada trade relations and the significant implications such tariffs would have on Canadian businesses and consumers.
Advancements in Diabetes Treatment Technology
A British Columbia startup, Aspect Biosystems, is making strides in diabetes treatment with its innovative use of 3D printing technology to create human tissue. The company has raised $150 million to advance human testing of its 3D printed implants, which are designed to improve organ function for diabetes patients. In partnership with drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk, Aspect's technology aims to offer a potential alternative to daily insulin injections by directly targeting liver and pancreas functions. This development could revolutionize diabetes care, particularly if the technology proves effective in human trials, building on successful tests conducted in rodents.
Shifts in Bank of Canada's Monetary Policy
The Bank of Canada has undergone significant changes in its approach to interest rates, with recent cuts aiming to achieve a soft landing in the economy. As interest rates have fallen, economic indicators suggest a resilient GDP growth and a decline in inflation rates, indicating the bank's strategy has yielded some success. Looking ahead to 2025, further moderation in rates is anticipated, driven in part by economic pressures such as a housing market slowdown and potential population growth declines due to reduced immigration policies. Randall Bartlett discusses that while lower rates could stimulate activity, they may also complicate the Bank's objectives if economic conditions significantly worsen.
With less than two weeks until he moves back into the White House, Donald Trump is laying the groundwork for a potential trade war with Canada.
While the primary use for 3D printers still appears to be arts and crafts, one B.C. company is using them to combat one of the world’s fastest-growing diseases.
Plus our interview with Randall Bartlett, Deputy Chief Economist at Desjardins!
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