Canada needs to be strategic as it hits back against U.S. tariffs
Canada’s first round of retaliatory tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports may show resolve, but former chief statistician Munir Sheikh argues that matching U.S. tariffs dollar-for-dollar could hurt Canada more than the United States. Canada should instead focus on a political strategy, targeting selected products and politically influential U.S. states and industries where pressure on American voters and policymakers could produce greater leverage with less harm to Canadians. “Canada cannot win a trade war by matching the United States blow for blow. It may, however, improve its position by ensuring that every future measure serves a clear political purpose.”
