NATIONAL PULSE – Canadians resolve on trade negotiations with U.S. hardens

Posted on August 1, 2025 in Feedback, National Pulse, News Bites, Page One // 0 Comments

Two-thirds say Canada should take “hard” line in trade talks, rebuff Trump’s rebuke on Palestine stance

By ANGUS REID INSTITUTE

August 1, 2025 – Canadian resolve in the face of what are now 35 per cent tariffs on non-USMCA protected goods (notwithstanding items already subject to a Trump-imposed 50 per cent) is holding firm, at least for now, according to new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute.

As Prime Minister Mark Carney voices disappointment but preaches patience, he finds a country largely looking to hold the line, even if it means taking on more financial pain.

Results from an overnight poll suggest the proportion of those advising the PM and his team to “play hardball” has increased, from 63 to 69 per cent of the population compared to mid-July.

The latest irritant for President Trump, who some suggest has become interminably irritated with trade talks, is Canada’s decision to recognize Palestinian statehood in September. Trump has stated that this will make it “very hard” to make a deal, though it is “not a deal-breaker”. Canadians are three-times as likely to say that Canada should go forth with recognition, even if it irks the president (63%) rather than reversing course to win his favour (20%).

Also on the table – after Trump’s latest executive order increased the current tariff rate on some Canadian goods – are counter-tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suggested responding with a 50 per cent rate on U.S. steel and aluminum.

Canadians are largely in favour of a tariff-based response from their country. Three-in-five (58%) would match whatever the U.S. value of tariffs is, while another eight per cent would respond, but at a lower level. One-in-five (18%) say Canada should stand pat and not risk inflaming the relationship further.

For those who would increase tariffs (58 per cent of the population) little dissuades them from this view. Nearly all (95%) say Canada should do this, even if the United States responds with another round of their own tariffs. Three-quarters (74%) within this group say Canada should counter-tariff even if it causes more financial harm at home.

Link to the poll here: www.angusreid.org/

Download .PDF with detailed tables, graphs and methodology.