Canada faces tough choice on US trade
Despite recent social interactions between leaders, the U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on a wide range of Canadian goods. Canadian public sentiment is reportedly hardening against the Trump administration, complicating the path forward for trade negotiations.
Why it matters
The disconnect between personal diplomatic meetings and aggressive trade policy creates uncertainty for businesses and citizens in both nations.
Figure caption, Watch: 'It's frustrating' Canadians react to the US tariffs
Just this weekend, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump sat together in New Jersey for the World Cup final - a send off to a joint North American tournament that has, despite criticism over ticket prices and travel costs, been widely viewed as a success.
The following day, hours after the two leaders were pictured smiling and chatting inside the stadium, the US announced a fresh round of tariffs against one of its closest trading partners.
The surprise move slapped a 50% levy on a range of goods, from hockey sticks to candles and synthetic wigs.
Canadians, however, are now used to riding out the storm, says pollster David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data.
"Most Canadians are largely of the view that they cannot trust the Trump administration," he said.
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