**Canada**: Recent surveys show a significant change in public sentiment, with 63% of Canadians now supporting a hardball trade approach in response to U.S. tariffs by President Trump, amidst concerns over rising auto prices and potential job losses due to trade war repercussions.
Recent surveys and expert assessments indicate a notable shift in Canadian public opinion regarding trade tensions with the United States, particularly in light of newly imposed tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. A recent Angus Reid survey reveals that 63% of Canadians now support a more aggressive, “hardball” approach to trade negotiations, a significant increase from 49% in December. The survey, conducted from March 28 to March 31 among a random sample of 2,131 Canadian adults, found that 39% expect the U.S. trade war to continue at least until after Trump’s presidency, while 28% prefer a strategy centred around negotiation.
The survey further elucidated public sentiment surrounding the potential consequences of tariffs. When asked how they would respond should tariffs lead to a recession or significant job losses in Canada, 61% indicated they would maintain a hardline stance rather than back down. This level of resolve may echo the current economic climate, particularly in the auto industry, where U.S. tariffs have recently been implemented.
As part of a broader tariff strategy, Trump has enacted a 25% duty on imported vehicles, although some parts compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) have received temporary reprieves. The National Post reports that prices for both new and used vehicles in Canada are expected to rise as a direct consequence of these tariffs. Sean Mactavish, CEO of the used-car marketplace Autozen, noted an upward trend in prices for used cars, suggesting that consumers may opt for used vehicles in response to heightened new car prices.
Auto industry leaders are raising alarms about possible plant shutdowns as a result of these tariffs. Stellantis, for instance, has announced a two-week halt in production at its Windsor, Ontario plant. Baris Akyurek, vice-president of insights at Autotrader.ca, confirmed that an increase in new vehicle prices is likely as additional tariffs are integrated into the supply chain.
Experts warn that this volatility surrounding auto tariffs and pricing may lead to consumers delaying significant purchases or opting for used cars, further fuelling a price increase in that segment. The overall impact of tariffs has also reverberated through the broader market, contributing to a sizeable drop in stock values.
Simultaneously, trade relations are deteriorating between the U.S. and China, with China recently announcing a 34% tariff on U.S. imports following Trump’s tariff announcement. This move reflects a series of retaliatory measures initiated by China, which also include tighter export controls on rare earth materials and sanctions against certain U.S. firms. The Chinese Commerce Ministry has asserted that the U.S. tariffs contravene World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
In Canada, political leaders, including Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, have voiced concerns about the implications of U.S. tariffs but noted that efforts to engage American officials have mitigated the effects relative to those faced by other countries. Prime Minister Mark Carney, currently on the election campaign trail as the Liberal leader, has indicated that Canada will respond with matching tariffs on vehicles not covered under CUSMA.
As trade tensions escalate, the Canadian government appears to be caught between the need to support its domestic industries and the complexities of maintaining a trade relationship with the U.S. The situation continues to evolve, with both economic and political dimensions that may shape the responses of Canadian consumers and businesses in the coming months.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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