When President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20, the nation will closely watch his actions to see if he implements the threatened 25% tariff on Canadian goods entering the U.S.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute reveals that Americans and Canadians alike share the hope that Trump’s tariff threats will remain nothing more than talk.
In the U.S., 26% of the population supports the 25% tariff on Canada, while 50% oppose it.
Among Trump supporters, 53% are in favour and 19% oppose.
However, support drops when considering the potential impact on American consumers of the increased prices of U.S. goods.
Among Trump voters, approximately half (49%) changed their answer and opposed the tariffs when told that certain products, such as gas, would have a potential increase of 30 to 70 cents per gallon in gasoline prices, considering the current level of oil imports from Canada.
Canadians are concerned about their government’s response amidst the Liberal Party leadership race and the return of Parliament on March 24.
Canadians overwhelmingly support decisive action against Trump’s threats. Three-quarters of Canadians believe that if Trump imposes tariffs, Canada should reciprocate with similar tariffs on American goods.
A comparable number of voters would support either a 25% tariff on all American goods or a targeted set of tariffs at that level on critical exports.
Canadians are aware of the potential damage this growing trade conflict could cause.
A substantial 39% of households would experience significant financial hardship if Trump implements tariffs, while another 34% anticipate feeling the impact, but to a lesser degree.
Only 13% of Americans view Canada as their most important trading partner, whereas 60% of Canadians view the U.S. as Canada’s most important trading partner.
In this trade conflict with Trump, 64% of Canadians believe that achieving no tariffs at all would be a “victory.”
Only 8% consider lower tariff levels a win, while one-in-five Canadians believe that there is no way to win this trade dispute.