A trade war too close to home

By Hannah–Kate McFadden, Contributing Writer

As of late, relations with Canada have been strained, to say the least. On Tuesday, the United States went ahead with a ban on around $1 billion worth of Canadian imports. However, this all started not so long time ago, in a galaxy too close for comfort. 

The Trump Administration began to impose tariffs on Canada in early 2025, which then escalated into a full–on trade war with retaliatory tariffs being imposed on the U.S. The ban is only the latest botched attempt by President Donald Trump to prove the United States is a world hegemon. That “We The People” do not take crap from anyone, especially…Canadians? One of our closest allies (figuratively and literally)?

Economically, the ban will not affect the majority of Canadians or Americans. The list of banned items is mostly composed of alcohol, motorcycles and dairy byproducts. However, the Trump Administration had better watch their step. Canada is an important ally that we cannot afford to lose. We trade about $880 billion worth of goods with Canada annually and are the U.S.’ second largest global trading partner. Combined with Mexico, which is our largest trading partner, they account for two–thirds of all American trade. For example, over 60% of our crude oil is imported from Canada. Basically, Canada powers the U.S., with oil and Tim Hortons. 

Canada has already begun to diversify their economy by pursuing an European Union (EU)

alliance and building trade relationships in China and India. American goods compose about 70% of Canada’s imports. It would not be in the United States’ best interest to allow China another chokehold in the Western Hemisphere, especially with Canadian oil on the table.

Trump’s trade war has already had and will continue to have massive financial and political consequences. The United States needs to prioritize mending relationships with allies. Here in western New York, commuting to and from Canada is a daily occurrence. There are many, many students at Canisius and other local universities, who are from Canada. We sing the Canadian national anthem at hockey and other sporting events. Canadian culture, trade and goods are vital to the United States survival. Washington needs to wake up and smell the roses or, in this case, Canadian petroleum!